Overview
- Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker on Jan. 28 authorized two counts of embezzlement of a vulnerable adult and one count of false pretenses against attorney Traci Kornak.
- The lead embezzlement count alleges more than $50,000 but less than $100,000 was taken, carrying a potential sentence of up to 15 years, with up to five years each on the other felonies.
- Kornak, a former Michigan Democratic Party treasurer who served as a conservator for an elderly woman, was first scrutinized after a Grand Rapids nursing-home whistleblower reported allegedly fraudulent insurance billing.
- Subpoenaed emails show AG Dana Nessel sought updates before a September 2022 conflict wall was established, the AG’s office later closed its probe, and Adult Protective Services referred the matter to county prosecutors in January 2023.
- Republican lawmakers led by House Oversight Chair Jay DeBoyer allege ethical violations by the AG’s office, while an AG spokesperson says later investigations involved different complaints and the office did not immediately comment on the new charges.