Wisconsin woman charged with embezzlement of sister’s finances
Oftentimes, mentally ill individuals must have a court-appointed guardian to help them make decisions and even manage more complicated aspects of society, such as taxes and finances. As such, these guardians are put in a position of power over the finances, which can be easily abused.
According to the Wausau Daily-Herald, Nancy Rodemeier was the the legal guardian for her mentally-disabled sister from May 2000 to December 2011. During this time, Rodemeier embezzled more than $38,000 to help fund her gambling, smoking and drinking habits.
Rodemeier was removed as guardian when an agent from the Adult Protective Services found the financial falsities in her sister's bank account. When giving the opportunity to refute the accusation, Rodemeier could not produce any financial records disproving this. Therefore, an audit which found checks written out of her disabled sister's bank accounts to numerous bars, tobacco and grocery stores.
"This is a family matter," Jim Connell, Rodemeier's attorney, told the source. "I don't believe this should have been a criminal case."
As this case revolves around the actions of close close family members, most of which may be undocumented besides the movement of money within the individuals involved, it may be necessary for lawyers to partner with experienced Milwaukee court reporters. These professionals can provide accurate deposition transcripts which will allow the litigators to more effectively represent their clients, and conduct an efficient trial.
