KENT COUNTY, Mich. — A former financial advisor who pleaded guilty to stealing from clients in Kent County has been sentenced.
Jaime Westenbarger, 46, will spend a minimum of two and a half years in jail for stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from clients.
Westenbarger previously worked for Forest Hills Financial, Inc., where he told clients he would invest their money—but instead, he transferred a total of $260,000 into his own accounts through online transfers.
He pleaded guilty to the following charges in January:
- One count of Conducting a Criminal Enterprise;
- Two counts of Embezzlement $100,000 or More;
- One count of Embezzlement $50,000 or More But Less Than $100,000; and
- Three counts of Using a Computer to Commit a Crime.
Attorney General Dana Nessel said that because Westenbarger paid $160,000 in restitution to some of his victims, he will be sentenced to a minimum of 30 months for both embezzlement charges. The sentences will be served concurrently.
The other charges were dismissed.
“As an investment advisor, Mr. Westenbarger was entrusted with his clients’ life savings and their aspirations for the future,” Nessel said. “Without the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs referring this matter and the diligent efforts of prosecutors in my office, the defendant could have devastated countless more lives, and securing this sentence or restitution may have been impossible. My department will continue to protect Michiganders from those who would embezzle their hard-earned money.”
Nessel said Westenbarger's other victims could also seek restitution.
