Cheryl Colburn, 65, of Ithaca, was arraigned on Monday in the 64B District Court in Stanton before Magistrate Brian G. Wagner on one count of embezzlement from a vulnerable adult, $1,000 - $20,000, a five-year felony, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Colburn, who was serving as the professional guardian and conservator of the victim, allegedly kept the victim’s property for her own benefit.
“When professional guardians and conservators exploit their roles for personal gain, it not only harms those they are supposed to protect but undermines the integrity of the entire profession,” Nessel said. “We will continue to prosecute those who betray their responsibilities to ensure vulnerable adults are protected.”
Colburn was the adult victim’s guardian and conservator from 2021 until the victim’s death in April 2023. During this period, the Department alleges Colburn took items belonging to the victim, including a utility trailer, an Arctic Cat ATV, and a moped, to her personal residence. These items were allegedly never reported in the accountings required to be filed with the probate court.
Colburn will next appear in 64B District Court for a probable cause conference on July 31 at 10 a.m. A preliminary exam is scheduled for Aug. 6 at 12:30 p.m.
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