A former treasurer of the Michigan Democratic Party is facing multiple felony charges following allegations that she exploited an elderly woman who had suffered a traumatic brain injury. Traci Kornak, an attorney who previously worked with Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office, is accused of misusing her position as a court-appointed conservator to access and misappropriate funds belonging to 87-year-old Rosalene Burd.
According to prosecutors, Kornak served as Burd’s conservator for approximately a decade after Burd became mentally incapacitated due to injuries sustained in a car accident. During that time, Burd resided in an assisted living facility near Grand Rapids, relying on Kornak to manage her financial affairs responsibly. Instead, investigators allege that Kornak used her authority for personal gain.
A forensic audit conducted by the Kent County Sheriff’s Office revealed between $123,000 and $419,000 in questionable financial transactions. Among the most concerning findings was an $85,000 transfer from Burd’s accounts directly into Kornak’s personal accounts. Authorities also identified suspicious debit card activity and expenditures around the time of Burd’s death, raising further concerns about financial misconduct.
Kornak now faces four felony charges, including embezzlement from a vulnerable adult, false pretenses, and attempted embezzlement of $50,000 or more. Court proceedings have also highlighted alleged irregularities in financial filings, including missing assets, conflicting account balances, and estate planning documents that may have been altered without proper court approval.
Chief Probate Judge Jolene Clearwater remarked that Kornak appeared to be “making a significant living” off the elderly woman’s finances. A court-appointed fiduciary also testified to widespread inaccuracies in Kornak’s management of the estate.
District Judge Kirsten Holz has ruled that the case will proceed to trial. If convicted, Kornak could face up to 15 years or more on each count.