Marshall County, MN (trfnews.i234.me) — In a case that has raised eyebrows across Minnesota, 70-year-old Peggy Ann Omdahl of Strandquist has been granted a plea agreement allowing her to avoid jail time after admitting to financially exploiting her elderly mother. Omdahl pleaded guilty to one count of felony exploitation of a vulnerable adult, breaching a fiduciary obligation, and failing to provide care. Under the terms of the agreement, six additional counts were dismissed, and if she successfully completes a two-year unsupervised probation, the case will be dismissed entirely.
The investigation, initiated in November 2023 by Marshall County Social Services and the Sheriff’s Office, revealed that Omdahl, who had served as her mother’s financial power of attorney for over a decade, along with her long-term partner Jeffrey McHam, misused funds totaling $1,222,660.98. This included over $115,000 in checks written directly to Omdahl, significant payments to a Capital One credit card, and the transfer of $532,000 worth of her mother’s land to herself via a quitclaim deed, despite her mother’s dementia diagnosis. Additionally, the nursing home caring for her mother reported a debt that had escalated to $169,483.14 due to missed payments.
McHam maintains his innocence and is scheduled for an omnibus hearing at 9 a.m. on June 3.
Did you know?
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Financial exploitation of vulnerable adults is a growing concern, with many cases involving close family members or caregivers.
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In Minnesota, felony exploitation of a vulnerable adult can carry a maximum sentence of up to 20 years in prison, depending on the amount involved.
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The use of financial power of attorney requires strict adherence to fiduciary duties; breaches can lead to severe legal consequences.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.