Opinion ID: 4526093
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Thefts from the 2004 Trust

Text: [¶7] Shortly after Victim 1 died, Lindell opened three bank accounts in the name of the 2004 Trust, including two at branches located in Maine. Lindell transferred into these accounts approximately $275,000 from the Hartford Policy, approximately $823,000 from the Midland Annuity,2 and approximately $167,000 from liquidated securities once held in the son’s name. In total, Lindell directed more than $1.7 million to accounts held by the 2004 Trust, accounts over which he had sole control. Between 2012 and 2017, Lindell spent almost all of these funds. The bulk of the money, more than $900,000 total, was When Midland declined to forward the funds as Lindell requested, citing a conflict of interest on 2 Lindell’s part, Lindell prepared paperwork showing that he had stepped down as trustee of the 2004 Trust, installing the family friend in his stead. He directed the family friend to have Midland release the funds to him, which she did, believing that the money would go to the Supplemental Trust (she had no knowledge of the 2004 Trust). Lindell then deposited the money in a bank account opened in the name of the 2004 Trust. 5 used to purchase and renovate a home in California for his family.3 The rest was largely used to pay Lindell’s credit card bills and other personal expenses.