David White, 67, of Union City, faces decades in prison after being convicted on multiple felony charges related to the misuse of his family’s trust funds.
David White’s Scheme Exploited Family Trust for Years
A Union City man, David White, 67, was convicted yesterday on multiple felony counts, including criminal enterprise, embezzlement, and tax evasion. The Oakland County jury delivered its verdict following an investigation and prosecution by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office. White’s crimes targeted the John Stirling White Trust, of which he was co-trustee.
The charges include:
- One count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise (20-year felony)
- Two counts of Embezzlement by an Agent/Trustee of $50,000-$100,000 or more (15-year felonies)
- One count of Embezzlement by an Agent/Trustee of $1,000-$20,000 (5-year felony)
- Six counts of Taxes – Failure to File (5-year felonies)
White became co-trustee of the trust in 2014 following the death of his father, John Stirling White. Despite the trust’s intended purpose to distribute assets, including proceeds from the lucrative Winery Office Building in downtown Farmington, beneficiaries—including several of White’s siblings—were left empty-handed. Instead, White retained exclusive control over the trust’s financial records and income for years.
Investigation Reveals Extensive Embezzlement
David White’s mismanagement of the trust came under legal scrutiny in 2019 after a probate court removed him as co-trustee for failing to provide financial accountings. Subsequent investigations by the Department of Attorney General revealed White had embezzled at least $400,000 from the trust between 2014 and 2019.
Attorney General Nessel condemned White’s actions, saying, “The hard-earned savings and property of those who have passed must be managed with integrity and respect, not exploited by those entrusted with their care. I am grateful to the jury for securing this conviction.”
Sentencing Awaits as Trust Mismanagement Leaves Lasting Impact
White is scheduled for sentencing on January 23, 2025, in Oakland County’s 6th Circuit Court before Judge Martha Anderson. With the maximum penalties for his crimes totaling over 60 years, he faces significant prison time.
The fallout from White’s actions has left lingering disputes among beneficiaries, with unresolved litigation over the trust’s assets. This case serves as a stark reminder of the risks families face when choosing trustees for their estates.
Broader Implications for Estate Management
The conviction underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in managing estates. Michigan residents are urged to conduct regular audits of estate plans and seek legal guidance when selecting trustees to avoid similar breaches of trust.
Attorney General Nessel’s office has increasingly targeted financial crimes involving vulnerable populations, from elderly estates to fraudulent guardianships. Michiganders are encouraged to report suspected mismanagement of trusts and estates to the authorities.
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