When a person is no longer able to manage all their affairs themselves the court may appoint a guardian. In most cases guardians act responsibly and in the best interest of the individual for whom they are responsible. As guardians are often appointed to assist vulnerable adults it is particularly troubling when a guardian is accused of abusing this position to take their ward's money for themselves.

Mesa police recently assisted in the investigation of a court-appointed guardian who stands accused of stealing about $500,000. After questions began to arise about missing assets and inappropriate accounting, Mesa law enforcement officials conducted an authorized search of a storage locker rented by the man. They found computers, banks records and digital storage devices. The guardian was later charged with six counts of felony theft. Last week the guardian pled not guilty to the charges.

It is upsetting any time that a person who is entrusted to assist another takes advantage of that trust. In this case it appears there may have been some systemic issues as well when red flags were ignored. As early as 2009 a county official where the guardian used to work contacted her counterpart in another county about financial irregularities concerning this guardian. This warning was apparently ineffective as court records show that another $300,000 in assets went missing from this guardian's wards in the second county after the warning.

Many individuals who serve as guardians do so in a completely responsible and respectable manner. The investigation into this case remains ongoing, but if nothing else it highlights the importance of partnering with experienced and respected professionals when making plans for long term care.

Source: Post Crescent "Jeffrey Schend's guardianship problems started in Shawano County" Jim Collar, July 30, 2011