Two individuals have been bound over to stand trial after investigators say they exploited an 87-year-old man and stole nearly $1,000,000.
Attorney General Dana Nessel condemned the alleged conduct, stating, “Exploiting unsuspecting victims or those who rely on others for support for personal gain is unacceptable. My Department takes reports of elder abuse very seriously. We will thoroughly investigate allegations of wrongdoing against our vulnerable adult population and prosecute those who prey on them.”
Authorities say the suspects are 68-year-old Shelley Letzer of West Bloomfield and 53-year-old Kirk Lanam (pictured) of Hartland. In March 2024, despite the victim being incapacitated and under guardianship, they are accused of obtaining power of attorney and using it to drain his assets.
Letzer is accused of stealing more than $400,000 and attempting to take another $200,000. Lanam is accused of stealing more than $500,000, benefiting himself and a nonprofit he controlled called the Veterans Service Dog Organization in Howell.
Letzer faces six counts of embezzlement from a vulnerable adult over $100,000, as well as charges of fraudulently obtaining a signature and intent to pass a false vehicle title. Lanam faces five counts of embezzlement over $100,000 and one count of fraudulently obtaining a signature.
Both defendants have been bound over to Oakland County Circuit Court. A pretrial date has not yet been scheduled. Prosecutors reminded the public that these are allegations and both defendants remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
