NEWS RELEASE
OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL
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LANSING – Yesterday, David White, 67, of Union City, was found guilty by an Oakland County jury of felony charges of criminal enterprise, embezzlement, and tax evasion, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. He was found guilty of:
- One count of conducting a criminal enterprise, a 20-year felony;
- Two counts of embezzlement by an agent/trustee of $50,000 to $100,000 or more, a 15-year felony;
- One count of embezzlement by an agent/trustee of $1,000-$20,000, a five-year felony; and
- Six counts of taxes – failure to file, a five-year felony.
David White became the co-trustee of the John Stirling White Trust in 2014, upon the death of his father, John Stirling White. Within the revenue stream of the trust is The Winery Office Building in downtown Farmington. Though John White left behind several adult children, the assets held in the trust were never distributed to the several beneficiaries due to ongoing litigation, and David White maintained control over the income, expenses, and access to financial records of the trust.
David White was removed as co-trustee in 2019 by the probate court due to non-compliance with court orders to produce financial accountings for the trust, and an investigation was subsequently conducted by the Department of Attorney General. The investigation revealed David White embezzled at least $400,000 from the trust between 2014 and 2019.
“The hard-earned savings and property of those who have passed must be managed with integrity and respect, not exploited by those entrusted with their care,” Nessel said. “I am grateful to the jury for securing this conviction. My department remains committed to holding accountable those who abuse this responsibility and protecting the estates of Michiganders.”
White will be sentenced on Jan. 23, 2025, by Judge Martha Anderson in the 6th Circuit Court in Oakland County.
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