$240K+: Missouri man accused of stealing from elderly mother’s bank account

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - A Grain Valley man could spend up to three decades in prison if he is found guilty of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from his elderly mother.

On April 29, the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office announced charges against Michael C. McLin. He faces one felony count of financial exploitation of the elderly and one count of felony stealing.

Court documents state that McLin and his girlfriend moved into his elderly mother’s home in 2021 or 2022 to help his sick father until his death. In 2022, the documents allege, McLin began withdrawing money from the 80-year-old’s bank account without her knowledge or permission.

Throughout the next two years, McLin is accused of stealing more than $217,000 from his mother’s checking account by transferring it to himself using Zelle. He is also believed to have used her credit card to make $10,000 in purchases and taken $13,000 from her money market account.

In total, the victim is estimated to have lost just over $240,000.

Once his mother discovered the money was missing in 2024, she closed her bank account and later chose to pursue charges against her son.

When questioned, investigators said McLin admitted to taking the money because his businesses weren’t doing well.

His next court appearance is set for May 29, 2025. Prosecutor Melesa Johnson said if convicted, he could face 10 to 30 years in prison.

“My office has zero tolerance for those who take advantage of the most vulnerable in our community,” Johnson said in a statement. “In this case, a son is accused of betraying the trust of his elderly mother, allegedly draining her accounts without her knowledge or consent. This kind of predatory behavior, exploiting vulnerable seniors, carries serious legal consequences.”

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