Great Lakes Wire

David White, a 68-year-old resident of Union City, was sentenced to four to twenty years in prison by Judge Martha Anderson in the 6th Circuit Court in Oakland County. This follows his conviction for embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from a family trust. The announcement was made by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.

White was found guilty on multiple charges, including one count of conducting a criminal enterprise and several counts related to embezzlement as an agent or trustee. Specifically, he faced two counts for embezzling $50,000 or more but less than $100,000, one count for amounts between $1,000 and $20,000, and six counts for failing to file taxes.

In 2014, following the death of his father John Stirling White, David White became co-trustee of the John Stirling White Trust. Despite having several adult siblings who were beneficiaries of the trust's assets, ongoing litigation prevented distribution. David White maintained control over the trust's finances during this period.

Attorney General Nessel acknowledged the efforts that led to these charges: “I am grateful to the prosecutors in my office for their diligent work and the family member who brought this case to our attention during our Elder Abuse Listening Tour." She emphasized that estates should be managed with respect and pledged continued accountability for those who violate such trusts.

White was removed as co-trustee in 2019 after failing to comply with court orders regarding financial accountings. An investigation by the Department of Attorney General uncovered at least $400,000 embezzled from the trust between 2014 and 2019.

A restitution hearing is scheduled for May 9, 2025.