Beltrami County (trfnews.i234.me) — A Bemidji man is facing two felony charges after prosecutors said he used money from a vulnerable adult for his own benefit and failed to use her funds for her care.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Beltrami County District Court, Daniel Lee Bliss, 63, is charged with two counts of financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult. The complaint says the alleged conduct happened on or about July 1, 2025.
What the charges say
One charge alleges Bliss failed to use the woman’s money for food, clothing, shelter, health care, or supervision. The second charge alleges he used or managed her property for someone other than the vulnerable adult.
Each charge is listed as a felony. Each carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $20,000 fine, or both. The charges were filed under Minnesota Statute 609.2335.
What investigators found
The complaint says an assisted living facility in Bemidji reported that bills for L.B., a vulnerable adult in her 90s, were not being paid. Staff said she was about $50,000 behind on bills.
L.B. was described as having several medical problems. The complaint says she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2023. More information about that condition is available from the Alzheimer’s Association.
According to the complaint, Bliss admitted using his mother’s money to buy a generator, pay a credit card bill, buy food at restaurants, and send checks to his ex-wife.
Court records say a review of the bank account showed $993.16 spent on food, $2,407.77 on utilities, $3,928 sent to his ex-wife, and $5,567.68 paid toward a Discover card.
The complaint alleges the total amount taken was about $12,896.61.
Case status
The case was filed in Beltrami County under court file number 04-CR-26-200. A criminal complaint contains allegations. The charges have not been proven in court. A defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
