June 4,  2003

Attorney General Mike Cox filed embezzlement charges today against the son and daughter in-law of a nursing home resident who was forced to go onto Medicaid after her personal accounts were depleted.

The complaint, filed in the 36th Judicial District Court in Detroit, alleges that Keith Allen James and his wife Sharon Patricia James conspired to steal approximately $100,000 from Angela Lethridge, Mr. James’ mother.

“Usually we think of these crimes as some stranger playing off the goodwill and trust of an elderly individual,” Cox said.  “It is particularly unfortunate, as it is in this case, when the crime is committed by a family member.”

According to the complaint the embezzlement took place within a 9-month period after Keith James petitioned for guardianship over his mother in April 2001.  According to Wayne County Probate Court documents the defendants were to use Ms. Lethridge’s monthly income solely to cover the costs of her care and were not allowed to withdraw money from any financial institutions. 

            Following an investigation by Cox’s Health Care Fraud Division, felony charges were filed on behalf of Ms. Lethridge, a retired registered nurse, who fully expected to use her income to cover expenses. 

Keith James is charged with writing at least 8 forged checks totaling approximately $20,000 on his mother’s National City checking account in addition to fraudulently obtaining $79,717 from her IRA and annuity.  The charges do not include the interest and early withdrawal penalties of nearly $22,000 that Ms. Lethridge would have received from her investments at maturity.  Sharon James is charged as an accomplice for aiding and abetting the felonies. 

The charges against Keith Allen James, age 41, of Detroit, are:

·        1 count embezzlement punishable by up to 5 years and/or a fine of $10,000 or 3 times the value of the money embezzled, whichever is greater.

·        2 counts embezzlement over $20,000, punishable by up to 10 years and/or a fine of $15,000 or 3 times the value of the money embezzled, whichever is greater;

·        10 counts forgery punishable by up to 14 years in prison; and

·        10 counts uttering and publishing punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

            Sharon Patricia James, age 40, of Detroit, daughter-in-law of the victim, faces:

·        2 counts aiding and abetting embezzlement punishable by up to 5 years and/or a fine of $10,000 or 3 times the value of the money embezzled, whichever is greater;

·        2 counts aiding and abetting forgery punishable by up to 14 years in prison; and

·        2 counts aiding and abetting uttering and publishing punishable by up to 14 years in prison.

            Sharon James is schedule to be arraigned on Monday, June 9.  Keith James has yet to be located by officials.

            To report Medicaid provider fraud or patient abuse in a resident care facility, call the Attorney General’s 24-hour Hotline at (800 24-ABUSE [800-242-2873]); e-mail hcf@michigan.gov; or visit our web site at www.michigan.gov/ag.

            A criminal charge is an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.