ROSCOMMON CO., MI – The Michigan State Police (MSP) Houghton Lake Post was contacted in December 2021 to investigate a vulnerable adult embezzlement. The suspect allegedly embezzled money from a vulnerable adult she was the conservator for. The person reporting the embezzlement had just been appointed as the new conservator in November 2021.
The new conservator was told by the victim, she had been paying for groceries using nickels and dimes since July. The conservator applied for assistance for the victim, but was told she would have to provide financial statements. That’s when the conservator noticed the discrepancies. Large ATM withdraws had been made from the victim’s bank account at various locations including a local casino. There were also numerous transactions made to the Michigan Lottery. Several payments to Tracfone and Verizon were also made. In total, there was $8,881.24 in withdraws or purchases that were not made for or by the victim.
The former conservator, 53-year-old Mary Ellen Lovely from Grayling was interviewed, and a report was turned over to the Roscommon County Prosecutor’s Office. An arrest warrant was issued, and Lovely was arrested and lodged in the Roscommon County Jail.
Lovely was arraigned today in the 82nd District Court in Roscommon County on one count of Embezzlement from Vulnerable Adult over $1,000 but less than $20,000. Her bond was set at $2,500 10% cash surety. Her next scheduled court appearance is on March 9, 2022.
