In a lawsuit filed in King County Superior Court, the Washington State Attorney General's office accuses seven individuals and their five companies of manipulating the probate system to control hundreds of deceased estates. The Attorney General claims that these actions resulted in millions of dollars being diverted from rightful heirs. According to the complaint, this violates Washington's Consumer Protection Act and other state laws.
"Probate is a solemn legal process that ensures heirs receive their share of an estate after a loved one dies," said Nick Brown, Washington State Attorney General. "These defendants exploited loopholes, and our consumer protection team will hold them accountable for the harms caused to multiple families."
A judge has frozen numerous bank accounts belonging to the defendants at the request of the Attorney General, aiming to prevent further financial losses.
The investigation by the Attorney General’s office revealed that over 200 probates were filed by the defendants statewide in the past five years. At least 90 homes worth more than $28 million were sold as part of this scheme. Significant amounts of money are unaccounted for, with defendants not disclosing its whereabouts.
The lawsuit demands penalties for each breach of the Consumer Protection Act and seeks full restitution for affected heirs. It also aims to stop future violations by these individuals and companies permanently.
Funding for the Consumer Protection Division primarily comes from recoveries from businesses violating similar laws rather than taxpayer money. These funds support various divisions within the Attorney General's Office including Civil Rights and Environmental Protection.
Assistant Attorneys General Matt Geyman, Ben Carr, Lauren Holzer, along with Paralegals Miranda Marti and Christopher Kiefer, are managing this case for the Attorney General’s Office.
The Washington State Attorney General serves both its people and government agencies by enforcing various laws related to consumer protection, civil rights, and environmental issues while also prosecuting elder abuse and Medicaid fraud across most counties in Washington.
For more information about their work visit www.atg.wa.gov