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Michele Ann Palm Pleads Guilty to Wire Fraud in Watertown, South Dakota
A 51-year-old woman from Watertown, South Dakota, has pleaded guilty to committing wire fraud, a federal offense. Michele Ann Palm appeared before U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann on January 6, 2017, and admitted to the charges brought against her.
Palm was appointed to serve as guardian and conservator for a woman she had known for several years. However, she allegedly wrote checks to herself and made ATM cash withdrawals from the victim’s account, using the funds for her own purposes rather than for the benefit of the protected person.
The investigation into Palm’s activities was conducted by the Watertown Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ann M. Hoffman is leading the prosecution of the case.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is 20 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine, plus restitution. A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for May 30, 2017. Palm was released pending sentencing.
According to court documents, Palm’s theft is a federal offense because some of the transactions involved interstate electronic wire transmissions. This case highlights the importance of accountability in positions of trust.
The case is a reminder that those who abuse their positions of power will be held accountable for their actions. We will continue to monitor the case and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Michele Ann Palm, the 51-year-old woman from Watertown, South Dakota, faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, plus restitution, for her role in the wire fraud scheme. She was appointed as guardian and conservator for a woman she knew and used the victim’s account for her own gain.
Defendant: Michele Ann Palm
Criminal Charges: Wire fraud
City and State: Watertown, South Dakota
Date: January 6, 2017
Sentence: Pending sentencing, with a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and/or a $250,000 fine, plus restitution
Dollar Amounts: $250,000 fine and restitution
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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