Yesterday, Barbara Cavner, 66, of Lawton, faced arraignment before Magistrate James Becker at the 7th District Court in Paw Paw. She is accused of embezzling approximately $50,000 from her aunt. The announcement was made by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Cavner faces a charge of Embezzlement from a Vulnerable Adult-$20,000 or more but less than $50,000. This felony carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years' incarceration and/or a fine of $15,000 or three times the value involved.
Cavner's aunt entered an assisted care facility in Lawton in March 2021 and remained there until August 2023 before moving to another local facility. During this period and until October 2024, Cavner acted as her aunt's attorney-in-fact. It is alleged that she used large sums of her aunt’s money for personal use through cash withdrawals, point-of-sale purchases, and checks written to herself.
"Too often, we see the assets of vulnerable adults unlawfully siphoned away when they move into a residential care setting," stated Nessel. "We will continue to hold people who take advantage of older adults accountable."
Cavner has been released on a personal recognizance bond and is scheduled for a Probable Cause Conference on February 12, 2025, followed by a Preliminary Examination on February 18, 2025.
The Attorney General’s Health Care Fraud Division (HCFD) is managing this case. The HCFD serves as Michigan's federally certified Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. It receives significant funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant totaling $5,703,460 for fiscal year 2025. The State of Michigan contributes an additional $1,901,152.
Please note: In criminal proceedings, charges are merely allegations until proven guilty. Booking photos are not provided by the Department.