Mount Clemens, MI – A Detroit woman is facing multiple felony charges after prosecutors allege she forged documents and sold the home of an incapacitated man without legal authority.
The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office announced that 42-year-old Shagwendola Jerna Crawford was arraigned on charges including Embezzlement from a Vulnerable Adult – $100,000 or More, a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
According to prosecutors, Crawford began residing with a Warren man in 2018 after being permitted to live in his home. In 2024, the man reportedly suffered a fall that resulted in a serious head injury requiring 24-hour medical care. Due to his medical condition, his siblings were appointed legal guardians to oversee his affairs.
The man later moved into assisted living facilities, where he remained until his death in September 2025.
After his passing, family members allegedly discovered that his home had been sold. Investigators claim Crawford forged a quitclaim deed transferring ownership of the property to herself, recorded the document with the Macomb County Register of Deeds, and then sold the property the following month while representing herself as the lawful owner.
Crawford is charged with:
- Embezzlement from a Vulnerable Adult – $100,000 or More, a 20-year felony
- False Pretenses – $100,000 or More, a 20-year felony
- Forgery of a Document Affecting Real Property, a 14-year felony
- Uttering and Publishing a Document Affecting Real Property, a 14-year felony
Prosecutors state these are the maximum charges available under the law based on the evidence presented.
Crawford was arraigned before Magistrate Ryan Zemke in the 41-B District Court. Bond was set at $25,000, and she must wear a tether if released.
She is scheduled to appear for a Probable Cause Conference before Judge Carrie L. Fuca on Monday, March 9, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.
“It is alleged that the defendant falsified a document to take the property of an incapacitated individual,” said Peter J. Lucido. “Exploiting the vulnerable is unacceptable, and our office will vigorously pursue accountability to protect those who cannot protect themselves.”
Crawford is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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