Son Convicted of Stealing Money From His Mother and Uncle

Michael Scripps had a trust fund from his father, James E. Scripps’s fortune. James E. Scripps was the founder of The Detroit News and he built the Evening News Association.  On Friday, Michael was convicted of stealing $3.6 million from his mother and a disabled uncle. He spent the money on cars, jewelry and women and now he is now facing more than seven years in prison. 

Michael had a six-figure trust fund and a 3,900 monthly stipend that his mother provided to him. But that wasn’t enough and he persuaded her to give money to his friend who was a financial adviser in the suburbs.Once she transferred that money to the financial adviser, Michael raided the accounts. 

Melissa Scripps, Michael’s mother, acknowledged that she has gone through much of the fortune. Michael thought she was spending too much money. Michael did not testify, but his lawyer argued that his mother gave him permission to use whatever funds he needed.

See Michael Scripps Swindled Mom, Uncle Out of $3.6 Million to Pay For Cars, Stripper (Correction), Huffington Post, Apr. 13, 2013.