St. Louis Man Pleads Not Guilty to 8 Wire Fraud Counts in $735,000 Power-of-Attorney Case
Updated
Updated · Fox News · May 14
St. Louis Man Pleads Not Guilty to 8 Wire Fraud Counts in $735,000 Power-of-Attorney Case
1 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 14
Micheal N. Jones, 40, pleaded not guilty Monday in federal court to eight wire fraud counts tied to an alleged theft of more than $735,000 from a retired school teacher.
Prosecutors say Jones became the victim's power of attorney in March 2023 and almost immediately spent over $12,000 from her checking account and used her credit card for purchases including OnlyFans.
After the victim moved to assisted living in April 2023, investigators allege Jones used proceeds from the sale of her home to buy four St. Louis properties and transferred another $160,000 to his bank account and Cash App.
The indictment says he spent the money on food, trips, a life coach and more OnlyFans purchases while failing to pay the victim's care bills, leading to one eviction and more than $50,000 in unpaid charges at another facility.
Each wire fraud count carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.
How does a Power of Attorney, a tool for protection, become a license to steal a teacher's entire life savings?
With elder fraud an $81 billion problem, are new federal task forces and laws enough to protect the most vulnerable citizens?
Could a presidential pardon erase a fraud victim's only chance to recover their stolen money through court-ordered restitution?