Former Michigan Democratic Party Treasurer Charged in Alleged Embezzlement Case Involving Elderly Victim

Traci Kornak

  

Dana Nessel 

A longtime political figure in Michigan is now facing serious criminal charges after prosecutors say she exploited a vulnerable senior for personal financial gain.

Traci Kornak, the former treasurer of the Michigan Democratic Party and a onetime ally of Governor Gretchen Whitmer, has been charged with multiple felony counts tied to the alleged theft of tens of thousands of dollars from an elderly woman in Kent County.

Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker announced that his office has authorized three criminal charges against Kornak following a multi-year investigation. According to prosecutors, the alleged victim is Rose Burd, an elderly woman described as a vulnerable adult under Michigan law.

The charges include one count of embezzlement from a vulnerable adult involving $50,000 or more but less than $100,000, a second count of embezzlement involving an amount between $1,000 and $20,000, and a third count of false pretenses. If convicted on all counts, Kornak could face a combined maximum prison sentence of up to 25 years, along with significant financial penalties.

Court records indicate the alleged conduct occurred over an extended period, with prosecutors arguing that Kornak abused a position of trust to gain access to Burd’s finances. Authorities have not yet announced an arraignment date, and Kornak has not entered a plea as of this writing.

The case has drawn heightened political attention because of Kornak’s past role within the state Democratic Party and her proximity to top Democratic leadership. Critics have accused Attorney General Dana Nessel of failing to act sooner, alleging that the matter was quietly sidelined for years despite earlier warnings.

State Rep. Jay DeBoyer, chair of the Michigan House Oversight Committee, has held multiple hearings related to the case and praised Becker’s office for ultimately bringing charges forward. DeBoyer has said the prolonged timeline raises serious questions about political favoritism and accountability inside state government.

Much of the public scrutiny surrounding the case stems from years of reporting by journalist Charlie LeDuff, who has repeatedly alleged that top state officials were aware of the accusations long before criminal charges were filed. LeDuff has reported that Kornak continued to hold financial responsibilities within Democratic political circles even after concerns were raised.

According to those reports, Kornak was at one point considered for a judicial appointment, a move that intensified backlash once the allegations became more widely known.

The investigation was eventually taken over by the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, which conducted a lengthy review before referring the case to the prosecutor. Becker’s decision to move forward has been framed by supporters as a belated but necessary step toward restoring public trust.

As the case now heads toward court, it is expected to fuel renewed debate over political accountability, oversight of party officials, and protections for elderly and vulnerable adults. For now, Kornak remains presumed innocent, with prosecutors saying the facts will ultimately be tested in a courtroom rather than the court of public opinion.