Michigan AG Charges Man with Embezzling Over $400,000 from Senior
Summary
The Michigan Attorney General has charged Phillip Lee Sprague with embezzling over $400,000 from an 82-year-old victim. Sprague faces multiple felony counts related to embezzlement by an agent, with potential prison sentences of up to 20 years.
What changed
The Michigan Attorney General's office announced criminal charges against Phillip Lee Sprague, 62, for allegedly embezzling over $400,000 from an 82-year-old victim. Sprague faces charges including Embezzlement by an Agent $100,000 or More, a 20-year felony, and two counts of Embezzlement by an Agent $50,000 or More but Less Than $100,000, each a 15-year felony. The alleged embezzlement includes over $300,000 obtained through changes to the victim's Will and Trust.
This enforcement action highlights the risks of financial exploitation of vulnerable individuals, particularly by those in positions of trust such as caregivers. While no specific compliance actions are required for regulated entities based on this individual case, it serves as a reminder for employers and healthcare providers to reinforce internal controls and training related to preventing elder abuse and financial exploitation. The case is proceeding through the 80th District Court, with a Probable Cause Conference yet to be scheduled.
What to do next
- Review internal policies and training for employees handling finances of vulnerable individuals.
- Reinforce protocols for detecting and reporting financial exploitation of seniors.
- Ensure compliance with relevant state statutes concerning elder abuse and financial exploitation.
Penalties
Potential prison sentences of up to 20 years for the felony charges.
Source document (simplified)
Farwell Man Charged with Embezzling over $400,000 from 82-Year-Old
March 18, 2026
LANSING – Yesterday, Phillip Lee Sprague, 62, of Farwell, was arraigned in front of Magistrate Steven R. Worpell, Jr. of the 80 th District Court in Harrison on one count of Embezzlement by an Agent $100,000 or More, a 20-year felony, and two counts of Embezzlement by an Agent $50,000 or More but Less Than $100,000, each a 15-year felony, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. It is alleged that Sprague embezzled from an 82-year-old victim who had sustained a traumatic brain injury.
Sprague allegedly obtained more than $400,000 of assets from the victim. Of that, more than $300,000 was reportedly obtained through changes the victim made to his Will and Trust to benefit the defendant instead of the victim’s children and grandchildren.
“While the majority of caregivers support adults in their care, my office will not tolerate those who steal from the very people they are meant to protect from such exploitation,” said Attorney General Nessel. “We remain committed to seeking justice for vulnerable victims and their families.”
A Probable Cause Conference has not yet been set.
Please note: For all criminal proceedings, a criminal charge is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. The Department does not provide booking photos.
MI Newswire Attorney General Press Release Caregiver Embezzlement Elder Abuse Financial Exploitation Prevention Act Vulnerable Media Contact:
Danny Wimmer
Press Secretary
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