LANSING – A former Paw Paw insurance agent has pleaded no contest to embezzling money from an elderly client, Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services (DIFS) announced today.
Brian Lietzau, 60, pleaded no contest to one count of embezzlement from a vulnerable adult, $50,000 or more but less than $100,000. He appeared today in Van Buren County Circuit Court in front of Judge Kathleen M. Brickley.
As part of the plea deal, additional charges filed against Lietzau in 2018 were dropped and he agreed to pay restitution of $70,000 to the estate of the victim, who is now deceased. Lietzau also will surrender his license to practice insurance.
“We expect and trust our agents to work on our behalf, not exploit our finances for their own personal uses,” Nessel said. “I’m grateful the victim’s estate is guaranteed reimbursement through this plea and I appreciate the professionals at the Department of Insurance and Financial Services for their hard work in serving the people of this state by bringing this matter to my office.”
Between November 2012 and November 2013, Lietzau served as fiduciary and power of attorney for the elderly victim. During that time, he converted her funds to his own personal use.
DIFS initially investigated this situation and referred the case to the Attorney General’s office.
“The State of Michigan is committed to protecting the elderly from those who would prey on them, and we will aggressively investigate and seek prosecution of these crimes,” said DIFS Director Anita Fox. “We are pleased to partner with the Attorney General to bring this case to a close for the benefit of this family. We ask all Michiganders to help us protect our seniors and vulnerable adults by reporting suspected fraud to DIFS online or by calling 877-999-6442.”
Embezzlement from a vulnerable adult of $50,000 or more but less than $100,000 is a felony punishable by a maximum of 15 years in prison and/or $15,000 or three times the value of the money or property involved, whichever is greater.
Lietzau is scheduled to appear in court for sentencing on March 15, 2021.
Source: Michigan Department of Attorney General
“Some of the statements in this third party article may be forward-looking statements and perhaps even inaccurate statements. AgencyEquity or Strategic Agencies LLC does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness, or updated status of such statements. Therefore, in no case whatsoever will AgencyEquity or Strategic Agencies LLC be liable to anyone for any decision made or action taken in conjunction with the information and/or statements in this press release or for any related damages.”
