VAN BUREN COUNTY, Mich. -- A Van Buren County woman was arraigned in the 7th District Court in Paw Paw on Wednesday on charges of embezzling roughly $50,000 from a family member.

Sixty-six-year-old Lawton resident Barbara Carver is charged with one count of Embezzlement from a Vulnerable Adult-$20,000 or more but less than $50,000, a felony with a sentencing range up to 10 years’ incarceration and/or a fine of $15,000 or three times the value of the money or property involved, whichever is greater.

Court documents state that In March 2021, Cavner’s aunt was admitted to an assisted care facility in Lawton, where she stayed until August 2023. She was then transferred to another facility in the same town and Cavner was acting as her aunt’s attorney-in-fact, or durable power of attorney.

Between March 2021 and October 2024, Cavner allegedly used large sums of her aunt’s money for her own needs. It is alleged that Cavner withdrew cash, made point-of-sale purchases, and wrote checks to herself.

“Too often, we see the assets of vulnerable adults unlawfully siphoned away when they move into a residential care setting,” said Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. “We will continue to hold people who take advantage of older adults accountable.”

Cavner is scheduled to appear for a Probable Cause Conference on Feb. 12, and a Preliminary Examination on Feb. 18. She was released on a personal recognizance bond.