A Traverse City man is facing multiple charges after allegedly stealing thousands of dollars from a vulnerable elderly adult to whom he had been appointed as a conservator and guardian. David Scott Helveston, 41, has been arraigned on the charges including embezzlement of $1,000 or more but less than $20,000 by an agent/trustee and using a computer to commit a crime. 

In October 2024, the Michigan State Police (MSP) Houghton Lake Post began an investigation into an alleged vulnerable adult embezzlement case involving 41-year-old Helveston. The suspect had been appointed by the Kalkaska County Court as the conservator and guardian for an elderly male he had known for many years. The victim, no longer able to live independently, was admitted to an adult care facility in Traverse City where he took up permanent residency.

From March 2024 to February 2025, Helveston was allegedly misappropriating the victim’s funds. "The
investigation revealed that there was evidence to support suspicions that Helveston was using the
victim’s money for personal and family gains, totaling several thousand dollars," according to a MSP release. "After a lengthy investigation, and records reviews, the complaint was submitted to the Grand Traverse County Prosecutor’s Office."

The prosecutor authorized charges.  Helveston was advised of the warrant and turned himself into the Grand Traverse County Jail, after which he was arraigned. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 4 at 2pm.