A Topsham woman appeared in court in Portland on Dec. 20 on charges that she stole tens of thousands of dollars in veteran’s benefits from her brother-in-law’s account.
As the manager of her brother-in-law’s accounts, Marsha Jacobs, 64, allegedly used $106,000 to pay for an addition to a home she owns in Nobleboro.
She is also reportedly accused of illegally using his money to pay for vacations to Florida and Las Vegas, buy a time-share, pay college tuition and pay personal living expenses and other bills.
She was appointed fiduciary of her brother-in-law’s benefits in 2003, and reportedly served in that capacity until April 2010. A fiduciary is appointed when a veteran is unable to manage his or her own finances. No information is available about why her brother-in-law was unable to manage his benefits.
Fiduciaries are legally obligated to spend the money on food, clothing, housing, medical expenses and personal items for the veteran. They may not mix the funds with their own money.
