David White, 67, of Union City, was bound over to face trial on charges of criminal enterprise, embezzlement, and tax evasion, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
David 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. 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 David White maintained control over the income, expenses, and access to financial records of 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 Department of Attorney General.
“There must be integrity and honesty among those who administer trusts, estates, and assets held in common,” said Nessel. “Families trust court-appointed administrators, often their own relatives, to handle estates ethically, and our elderly deserve to know their lifesavings will be secure when they’re gone. Sadly, family ties are no guarantee the estates of our relatives will be handled properly once they have passed. The Department of Attorney General is working hard to ensure the estates of those who have died are not pilfered or misused by those our seniors trusted most.”
It is alleged by the State that David White embezzled over $300,000 from the Trust between 2014 and 2019. He is charged with the following:
- One count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, a 20-year felony;
- Two counts of Embezzlement by an Agent/Trustee of $50,000 to $100,000 or more, a 15-year felony;
- One count of Embezzlement by an Agent/Trustee of $1,000-$20,000, a 5-year felony; and
- Six counts of Taxes – Failure to File.
Original source can be found here.