Grosse Pointe Farms Lawyer To Stand Trial In Embezzlement Scheme: AG

GROSSE POINTE FARMS, MI — A Grosse Pointe Farms lawyer will stand trial after stealing millions of dollars from a well-known and wealthy client's trust, according to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.

David P. Sutherland, 57, was charged with one count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise (a 20-year felony), two counts of Embezzlement of $100,000 or more (20-year felonies) and one count of embezzlement from a vulnerable adult - $100,000 or more (20-year felony). His next court date is scheduled for June 26.

Officials said Sutherland used his position as the personal attorney and trustee for the late Gretchen Carhartt Valade, of Grosse Pointe Farms, to steal millions of dollars from her irrevocable trust, by issuing himself a series of loans without Valade’s permission.

Valade, the Carhartt heiress and philanthropist, died earlier this year at age 97. Carhartt is an American clothing company that was founded in 1889, and is known for its heavy-duty working clothes such as the iconic Carhartt jacket.

Immediately following a court hearing, Sutherland was charged with another county of Embezzlement of $100,000 (20-year felony) after officials said he stole from another client, the William Cardinal Trust. His next court date for that charge is scheduled for July 26.

"Handling a client’s finances with integrity and thoughtful consideration is one of the most important responsibilities of a trustee," Nessel said. "When the trustee’s actions serve to enrich themselves at the expense of their client, my Financial Crimes Division will intervene."