Oakland Co. Woman Steals Thousands From Vulnerable Adult: Officials

WEST BLOOMFIELD, MI — A West Bloomfield woman is facing charges after stealing money from a vulnerable adult, according to the Michigan Attorney General's Office.

Shelley Letzer, 67, was charged with three counts of embezzlement from a vulnerable adult of $1,000 or more but less than $20,000, a five-year felony, and one count of fraudulently obtaining a signature, a 10-year felony. Her next court date is scheduled for Feb. 10.

Letzer’s co-defendant, Kirk Lanam, 52, of Hartland, was also charged last week in connection with the same case.

Officials said the pair fraudulently obtained from the 87-year-old victim legal power of attorney in March of 2024, knowing the man was a vulnerable or incapacitated adult with a court-appointed guardian, and that Lanam embezzled significant funds from the victim.

Letzer also embezzled thousands of dollars from the victim by multiple means, including writing checks to herself from his funds, according to the office.

"Abusing the authority granted by a power of attorney to exploit vulnerable adults is an egregious violation of trust," Michigan Attorney General's Office Dana Nessel said. "My Department will continue to investigate and prosecute those who would embezzle funds from people entrusted with their care."