Michigan Court of Appeals Upholds Embezzlement of Vulnerable Adult Convictions of Scottville Woman

LANSING – The Michigan Court of Appeals has affirmed the conviction of Jessica Englebrecht (PDF), 38, formerly of Scottville, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Englebrecht was appointed as a guardian and/or conservator for multiple adults from 2017 to 2019. During that time, she embezzled more than $20,000 from 10 vulnerable adults she was appointed to protect and additionally commingled her clients’ funds. A Mason County jury found Englebrecht guilty in September 2023 of: 

• Eight counts of embezzlement from a vulnerable adult - $1,000 or more but less than $20,000;
• One count of vulnerable adults – caregiver commingling funds/obstructing investigations;
• One count of embezzlement from a vulnerable adult – $200 or more but less than $1,000; and
• One count of embezzlement from a vulnerable adult – less than $200. 

Englebrecht was sentenced to 35 months to 7 years’ incarceration and ordered to pay $21,409 in restitution. 

“Michigan’s vulnerable adults deserve to know that the law will protect them from financial exploitation by those entrusted with their care,” Nessel said. “I am relieved that the Court has upheld this conviction, and I am proud of the work my office has and will continue to do to stand up for some of our state’s most vulnerable residents.” 

In its opinion, the Court of Appeals found that there was sufficient evidence presented at Englebrecht’s jury trial to find her guilty and that Englebrecht received effective counsel.