MARSHALL COUNTY, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – A Strandquist, Minnesota, man appeared in court on June 18 for charges of financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult. Jeffrey Lars McHam, 65, was released without bond on his promise to attend future court proceedings.
McHam and his significant other, Peggy Ann Omdahl, face charges of financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult, breaching fiduciary obligation, and failing to provide care. They could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
The couple is accused of exploiting Omdahl’s elderly mother for over $275,000. A report filed in November with Marshall County Social Services and the Marshall County Sheriff’s Office highlighted significant financial irregularities. Since November 2022, the nursing home where Omdahl’s mother resides reported only four payments, resulting in a debt exceeding $100,000. Additionally, her financial records showed a depletion of over $100,000 between December 2019 and January 2024, with several $10,000 checks allegedly written to McHam.
Omdahl, who has held financial power of attorney for her mother for more than a decade, had her first court appearance on June 4 and was released without bond. Both McHam and Omdahl are scheduled for omnibus hearings on August 27.