FERTILE ( trfnews.i234.me ) — A Fertile, Minnesota man is facing a felony charge tied to the alleged misuse of a vulnerable adult’s money.
Lee R. Carlton of Fertile has been charged with felony financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult. The charge is based on a criminal complaint filed in a Minnesota court.
What court documents allege
According to the complaint, Carlton was in charge of the person’s finances. The case covers a period between Feb. 1 and July 31, 2025.
Prosecutors allege Carlton used funds belonging to a vulnerable adult. The complaint says the spending was not for the adult’s benefit.
The filing alleges Carlton made many purchases online and at stores in the area. The total amount is listed as more than $14,000.
Court documents describe the spending as personal in nature. The complaint states the vulnerable adult did not get the benefit of those purchases.
What happens next
The case will move through the court process. That often includes an initial appearance and later hearings. A judge may set conditions of release.
As with any criminal case, the charge is an allegation. Carlton is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Resources
Readers can review the Minnesota law often used in these cases here: Minn. Stat. § 609.2335.
For information on reporting suspected adult abuse in Minnesota, visit the Minnesota Adult Protection page.
Public court information may be available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch at mncourts.gov.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
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