OAKLAND COUNTY, MI (WTVB) – A Union City man was convicted in Oakland County on Thursday on felony charges of criminal enterprise, embezzlement, and tax evasion.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel says 67-year-old David White. was found guilty of a charge of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, three counts of Embezzlement by an Agent or Trustee and six counts of Failure to File Taxes.
White became the co-trustee of the John Stirling White Trust in 2014, upon the death of his father, John Stirling White.
Within the revenue stream of the Trust is The Winery Office Building in downtown Farmington. Nessel’s office says even though John White left behind several adult children, the assets held in the Trust were never distributed to the several beneficiaries due to ongoing litigation, and White maintained control over the Trust.
David White was removed as co-trustee in 2019 by the probate court due to non-compliance with court orders to produce financial accountings for the Trust, and an investigation was subsequently conducted by the Attorney General’s office.
Nessel says the investigation revealed White embezzled at least $400,000 from the Trust between 2014 and 2019.
She stated, “The hard-earned savings and property of those who have passed must be managed with integrity and respect, not exploited by those entrusted with their care. I am grateful to the jury for securing this conviction. My department remains committed to holding accountable those who abuse this responsibility and protecting the estates of Michiganders.”
White will be sentenced on January 23, 2025, by Judge Martha Anderson in the 6th Circuit Court in Oakland County.
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