Caregiver took man off life support, then got deed to his home, MI cops say
An in-home caregiver fraudulently obtained power of attorney when her patient’s husband’s health declined and ultimately decided to remove him from life support, Michigan deputies said.
Linda Polk, 52, had been caring for the man’s wife since 2021 in Macomb Township, the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office said in an April 3 Facebook post. In 2024, the 78-year-old man’s health started to decline, and he was placed on life support at a hospital, officials said.
Polk obtained power of attorney by fraudulent means, then told the hospital staff to take the man off of life support, deputies said. The man died on Oct. 19 due to his illness.
The caregiver also had the man’s body cremated without informing his family, deputies said. The family was unaware Polk held power of attorney.
A monthslong investigation revealed Polk had also embezzled money from the man and fraudulently obtained a quitclaim deed on the man’s home, deputies said.
Polk additionally opened and used credit cards in the man’s name and embezzled money from him, according to authorities.
The caregiver is facing charges of premeditated murder, forgery of a document affecting real property, embezzlement, identity theft and financial transaction device illegal sale and use, the sheriff’s office said. Clinton Township police, where the woman lives, is also investigating the woman for fraud, deputies said.
Polk was arrested on April 2 and is held in jail on a $1 million bond, officials said.
Macomb Township is about a 35-mile drive northeast from Detroit.
This story was originally published April 4, 2025 at 10:37 AM with the headline "Caregiver took man off life support, then got deed to his home, MI cops say."
