Caregiver accused of first-degree murder, embezzlement and fraud is bound over for trial as charged

Mount Clemens, MI - Today, Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido announces that a 52-year-old woman from Clinton Township was bound over for trial in connection with charges of First-Degree Murder, Vulnerable Adult Abuse, and Fraud.

On August 1, 2025 the preliminary exam for Ms. Linda Renee Polk began before 41-B Mount Clemens District Court Judge Carrie Fuca. On August 29, 2025, the exam was completed by Macomb County Assistant Prosecutor Danielle Strace. Upon conclusion of the exam, Judge Fuca determined there was enough evidence to move forward with a trial on all of the following charges brought against Polk:

Count 1: Homicide First Degree Premeditated, a felony punishable for life without parole.

Count 2: Forgery Of Document Affecting Real Property, a felony punishable up to 14 years.

Count 3: Forgery Of Document Affecting Real Property, a felony punishable up to 14 years.

Count 4: Embezzlement Vulnerable Adult for $1,000 to $20,000, a felony punishable up to 5 years.

Count 5: Identity Theft, a felony punishable up to 5 years.

Count 6: Identity Theft, a felony punishable up to 5 years.

Count 7: Financial Transaction Device Illegal Sale/use, a felony punishable up to 4 years.

Count 8: Financial Transaction Device Illegal Sale/use, a felony punishable up to 4 years.

Polk was then remanded to custody. Polk's next court date will be on September 22, 2025, at 1:30 pm in the Macomb County Circuit Court before Judge Matthew Sabaugh.

It is alleged that Polk began providing in-home care for the victim's wife in spring of 2021. In early 2024, the victim, a 78-year-old male from Macomb Township, reportedly began to decline in health as well. Due to an illness in October of 2024, the victim was transferred to a local hospital and placed on life support. Polk allegedly obtained a fraudulent Power of Attorney (POA) over the victim and then instructed the hospital to have the victim taken off life support. As a result, the victim succumbed to his illness and passed away on October 19, 2024.

Polk allegedly did not inform the victim's family of his passing and used the POA to have the victim cremated. She then allegedly authored a fraudulent Quit-Claim deed on the victim's home. Polk allegedly then embezzled a large sum of money from the victim and opened, and used, credit cards in the victim's name.

"These are despicable and surreptitious actions allegedly done by this caregiver to one of our vulnerable adult citizens and the family. Many of our aging citizens and their families rely on the trust of caregivers in today's society. These actions will not be tolerated. This office will zealously pursue justice to to the fullest extent of the law to protect our vulnerable adults and their families from such an atrocity," said Macomb County Prosecutor Peter J. Lucido.

Prosecutor Lucido's program to protect seniors and vulnerable adults is called S.C.A.M.S., Stopping Crimes Against Macomb Seniors. Seniors receive valuable information such as how to protect themselves from becoming victims of fraud. Fraud can take many forms, including banking, phishing, and consumer transactions. Theft schemes targeting seniors include identity theft, telemarketing scams, mail and internet fraud, and home improvement and caregiver theft.

The next three S.C.A.M.S presentations are:

Wednesday, September 3, 2025, 10 am -1 pm Senior Health Care Fair, Warren City Hall, 1 City Square, Warren, MI 48093

Tuesday, September 16th, 11 am - 2 pm Harrison Twp. Senior Expo, Tucker Park & Senior Citizens Center, 26980 Ballard St, Harrison Township, MI 48045

Tuesday, September 23, 2025, 10 am - 2 pm Senior Expo USA, Palazzo Grande, 54660 Van Dyke Ave, Shelby Township, MI 48316

No reservation is required.

If you would like to host a presentation for your group or at your location, please contact Heather Esposito at (586) 469-5642 or [email protected].

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 that are accused of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Macomb County Prosecutor's Office

Contact: Robert A. Leonetti, Chief Assistant

Office: +1 (586) 469-7325

Cell: +1 (586) 876-1912

E-mail: [email protected]