HARTLAND — A local man accused of faking his military record and running a nonprofit without registering with the state has now been arraigned on five felony charges, all for allegedly exploiting an 87-year-old man.
According to a press release from Michigan Attorney General’s Office, Kirk Lanam, 52, has been arraigned before Magistrate Judge Marie Soma in 52-3 District Court in Rochester Hills. He is charged with four counts of embezzling from a vulnerable adult for $100,000 or more and one count of fraud for a signature on a financial document.
His bond was set at $150,000.
According to the release, Lanam is accused of fraudulently obtaining legal power of attorney over the victim in March 2024, knowing he was a vulnerable, incapacitated person with a court-appointed guardian. Then, police say, he stole more than $400,000 from the man to benefit himself and his nonprofit, Veteran Service Dogs.
More:Report: Livingston nonprofit leader embellished military service record for years
A pre-exam conference is set for Monday, Feb. 3, with a preliminary exam set for Monday, Feb. 10.
Lanam’s past controversies
In August 2024, WLNS 6 News released an in-depth investigation into Lanam and his nonprofit, finding he’d embellished his military record and education and lied about the financial status of his organization, among other disproven claims.
The outlet also learned Lanam was previously convicted on three felony counts of computer intrusion by a federal grand jury in the Eastern District Court of Michigan in Detroit.
Veteran Service Dogs, based in Livingston County, pairs veterans with dogs trained to their specific needs. The organization was founded and led by Lanam.
More:WLNS: Veteran Service Dogs not in compliance with state law
Soon after releasing its initial report, WLNS published a follow-up story confirming Lanam’s nonprofit wasn’t registered with the state, a requirement for any organization soliciting donations.
As of Thursday, Jan. 23, the organization still does not appear in the state’s public records.
— Contact reporter Tess Ware attware@livingstondaily.com.
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