Detroit woman arraigned on charge of embezzlement of vulnerable adult, over 100K

Mount Clemens, MI – Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announced that 42-year-old Shagwendola Jerna Crawford, of Detroit, was arraigned on multiple felony charges including Embezzlement from a Vulnerable Adult $100,000 or over. 

It is alleged that in 2018, a man permitted Crawford to reside with him at his home in Warren. In 2024, the man suffered a fall resulting in a head injury that required 24-hour medical care. As a result of his condition, his siblings were appointed legal guardians to manage his affairs. The man thereafter resided in assisted living facilities until his death in September 2025. Following his death, his siblings discovered that his home had been sold. It is further alleged that Crawford forged a quitclaim deed transferring the property to herself, recorded the deed with the Macomb County Register of Deeds, and sold the property the following month while falsely representing herself as the lawful owner.

On Friday, February 27, 2026, Crawford was arraigned before Magistrate Ryan Zemke in the 41-B District Court in Clinton Township, MI. Crawford is charged with the following offenses:

• Embezzlement from a Vulnerable Adult - $100,000 or More, a 20-year felony
• False Pretenses $100,000 or More, a 20-year felony
• Forgery of Document Affecting Real Property, a 14-year felony
• Uttering and Publishing a Document Affecting Real Property, a 14-year felony

These are the maximum charges available under the law based upon the evidence presented.

Magistrate Zemke set Crawford’s bond at $25,000 and she must wear a tether if released. She is scheduled for a Probable Cause Conference before Judge Carrie L. Fuca at the 41-B District Court on Monday, March 9, 2026 at 1:00 p.m.

“It is alleged that the defendant falsified a document to take the property of an incapacitated individual. Exploiting the vulnerable is unacceptable, and our office will vigorously pursue accountability to protect those who cannot protect themselves,” said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.

The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office represents the People. We are committed to achieving justice and following the laws of the State of Michigan. All individuals who are accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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