Ottawa County woman accused of embezzling from parents
Fri, Oct 16, 2009
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HUDSONVILLE (AP) Authorities have charged an Ottawa County woman with embezzling at least $100,000 from her parents' life savings of $275,000.
Eloise Russo is accused of taking the money to pay for gambling losses, a $10,000 gift and a $16,000 new car for her sister. The 53-year-old woman is free on bond following her arraignment Wednesday two days after her father, Thomas Sherwin of Hudsonville, died at age 90.
Russo was appointed guardian to her father and her 83-year-old mother, Ada, in April 2007. Ottawa County Probate Judge Mark Feyen removed her from the post in July 2008 after allegations of fraud emerged.
Russo's lawyer, Kelly Lambert, said his client only borrowed the money and always intended to return it.