Michigan attorney accused of embezzling millions from Carhartt heiress’ trust

WAYNE COUNTY, MI — A Detroit area attorney is accused of embezzling millions of dollars from the late Gretchen Carhartt Valade, the granddaughter of the man who founded the Carhartt workwear company.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Wednesday, Jan. 11 that Wayne County attorney David P. Sutherland, 57, of Grosse Pointe Farms is facing four felonies.

He is charged with conducting a criminal enterprise, two counts of embezzlement of $100,000 or more, and embezzlement of a vulnerable adult of $100,000 or more.

He was arranged Wednesday in Grosse Pointe Farms Municipal Court.

Valade died Dec. 30 at the age of 97.

She was a well known philanthropist and arts supporter.

Officials with the state Attorney General’s office said Sutherland was the personal attorney and trustee for Valade. They allege he used that position “to embezzle millions of dollars from her irrevocable trust, by issuing himself a series of loans without Ms. Valade’s permission.”

Sutherland’s next court date is scheduled for Jan. 25

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