Community members demand Oakland County probate task force to investigate systemic corruption

In a recent Oakland County Board meeting, a significant discussion emerged regarding allegations of systemic corruption within the county's probate court system. A concerned citizen presented a detailed account of what they described as a troubling pattern of misconduct involving probate judges and attorneys, claiming that these individuals are enabling fraudulent activities that exploit vulnerable families.

The speaker emphasized that the term "corruption" refers to a decay of integrity, asserting that the probate system is failing to uphold justice. They accused various oversight bodies, including the State Bar of Michigan and the Oakland County Bar Association, of concealing evidence of criminal behavior within the probate courts. According to the speaker, judges are allowing attorneys to submit false information, which constitutes fraud and facilitates embezzlement from estates.

A specific case was highlighted—the John Sterling White probate file—where the speaker alleged that judicial rulings were intentionally designed to suppress evidence of wrongdoing. They claimed that a probate judge dismissed a family member as an heir and denied him the opportunity to present evidence in court, actions that the speaker argued were part of a broader scheme to protect those involved in corrupt practices.

The speaker called for the establishment of a probate task force to investigate these allegations thoroughly. They urged the 19 Oakland County commissioners to take action, asserting that the county has the potential to lead statewide reforms in accountability and justice within the probate system.

This meeting underscored the pressing need for transparency and reform in Oakland County's probate courts, as community members seek to address concerns about judicial integrity and the protection of vulnerable individuals. The call for a task force reflects a growing demand for accountability among state actors and a commitment to ensuring that justice is served. As discussions continue, the implications of these allegations could lead to significant changes in how probate matters are handled in the county.