Farwell man ordered to stand trial in alleged $400,000 vulnerable adult embezzlement case

Farwell man ordered to stand trial in alleged $400,000 vulnerable adult embezzlement case
A Farwell man has been ordered to stand trial on three felony charges after authorities alleged he obtained more than $400,000 in assets from a vulnerable adult, including more than $300,000 connected to changes made to the alleged victim’s will and trust.
Phillip Lee Sprague, 62, was bound over Thursday, Sept. 10, for trial in Clare County’s 55th Circuit Court, according to the Michigan Attorney General’s Office.
Sprague faces one count of embezzlement from a vulnerable adult involving $100,000 or more, a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison. He also faces two counts involving amounts of at least $50,000 but less than $100,000. Each of those charges carries a maximum possible sentence of 15 years.
The Attorney General’s Office said the three charges carry a combined maximum potential penalty of 50 years in prison. Any sentence would be determined by the court if Sprague is convicted.
State prosecutors allege Sprague obtained more than $400,000 in money and other assets belonging to the victim. More than $300,000 of that amount is believed to have resulted from changes the victim made to his will and trust, according to the Attorney General’s Office.
Authorities contend those changes benefited Sprague instead of the victim’s children and grandchildren. The remaining allegations involve two additional amounts falling between $50,000 and $100,000.
The decision to bind Sprague over for trial means the court found sufficient probable cause for the charges to proceed. It is not a finding of guilt. Prosecutors will still be required to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case will now move to Clare County Circuit Court for additional proceedings.
Sprague is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.