A former high-ranking official in Michigan’s political circles has been charged with multiple felony counts related to the alleged misappropriation of funds from a vulnerable adult under her legal conservatorship. The charges, announced by the Kent County Prosecutor’s Office in late January 2026, allege that the official diverted significant sums of money while entrusted with the financial oversight of an elderly individual.
Background: Conservatorship and Alleged Financial Misconduct
The case centers on a conservatorship established in 2015 for an elderly woman residing in west Michigan. As conservator, the individual was legally responsible for managing the woman’s finances and protecting her interests. Prosecutors claim that over the course of several years, the conservator misused funds from the woman’s accounts, directing money to herself or entities associated with her.
According to reporting by FOX 17, the total alleged misappropriation could reach approximately $140,000, though estimates vary depending on the source and the specific transactions examined.
Charges Filed
The Kent County Prosecutor, Christopher Becker, announced that the official is facing three felony counts:
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Embezzlement from a vulnerable adult of $50,000 or more but less than $100,000, a felony with a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
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Embezzlement from a vulnerable adult of $1,000 or more but less than $20,000, a felony carrying potential prison time up to five years.
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False pretenses of $1,000 or more but less than $20,000, also a felony
The investigation, which spanned several years, was initiated at the request of Adult Protective Services and conducted by the Kent County Sheriff’s Department.
Identity and Political Context
The official in question is Traci Michele Kornak, a Belmont-based attorney and former treasurer of the Michigan Democratic Party. Kornak served as the party’s volunteer treasurer from 2019 until May 2025 and previously participated in the transition team for Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel following Nessel’s election in 2018.
Kornak has also contributed to Democratic campaigns, including donations to Nessel’s 2018 campaign and Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s 2022 reelection effort. Her political involvement has drawn additional public interest to the case.
Earlier Investigations
In 2022, the Michigan Attorney General’s office reviewed allegations involving Kornak and a Grand Rapids nursing home related to “unauthorized invoicing.” That inquiry was separate from the current criminal charges and did not result in prosecution.
Reactions and Implications
The charges have prompted responses from both political observers and elder advocacy groups. Lawmakers and advocates have stressed the need for stricter oversight in conservatorships to prevent financial exploitation of vulnerable adults. Meanwhile, supporters of Kornak emphasize that the charges remain allegations, and she is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
Legal Considerations
Conservatorship abuse is considered a serious violation of fiduciary duty, and Michigan law imposes significant penalties for financial exploitation of vulnerable adults. The three felony counts against Kornak reflect a tiered approach to the alleged wrongdoing, with the largest sum — between $50,000 and $100,000 — carrying the most severe potential penalties.
Experts note that proving intent is central in such cases. Prosecutors must demonstrate that Kornak knowingly misappropriated funds for personal benefit, while her defense may challenge the accuracy of financial records, the interpretation of transactions, or procedural aspects of her appointment as conservator.
Next Steps
The case is in its early stages, with arraignment and pretrial proceedings expected in Kent County courts. Kornak’s legal team has not yet issued a public response regarding the charges. As the case progresses, evidence will be reviewed, and both sides will have the opportunity to argue motions, present testimony, and contest the charges.
Observers emphasize that, at this point, all details beyond the charges are allegations, and the outcome of the case will ultimately depend on judicial findings and potential trial proceedings.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
