Third judge recuses himself in case of Providence man accused of stealing $349,000 from grandchildren

LOGAN — The case against a 75-year-old Providence man accused of stealing thousands of dollars from his family has been postponed again. Lynn J. Thurston is charged with taking the money from multiple trust accounts intended for his grandchildren between 2009 and 2020.

Thurston appeared in 1st District Court for a preliminary hearing Wednesday morning. He was previously charged with 22 felony counts of unlawful dealing with property by a fiduciary and one count of money laundering.

Judge Brian Cannell announced that he would be recusing himself from the case due to a potential conflict of interest. He explained how before being sworn to the bench, the law firm he was working for represented Thurston in another case.

Thurston’s case has already been postponed several times after two other judges recused themselves. Judge Spencer Walsh reassigned the case because the defendant lives in his neighborhood and Judge Angela Fonnesbeck recused herself because her law firm represented the Thurston’s before she became a judge.

During Wednesday’s hearing, Judge Cannell transferred Thurston’s case to Judge Brandon Maynard, the only remaining judge in northern Utah, who typically oversees cases in Box Elder County. A status hearing will be held March 20.

Prosecutors allege Thurston illegally transferred money from his grandchildren’s savings and trust accounts, more than $349,503 during a 10 year period. The money was then withdrawn in cash or used for personal purchases like a new truck.

Thurston’s ex-wife discovered the money transfers when divorce attorneys were going through the couple’s records. She said the defendant handled all of the finances. The couple cared for and adopted the grandchildren after a car crash in Sardine Canyon killed the children’s parents.

Thurston’s defense attorney, Shannon Demler has said his client did nothing wrong. He claimed the money was withdrawn to help the couple care for the children, including purchasing a vehicle for the granddaughter and paying for orthodontia work for both children.

Thurston has pleaded not guilty to the charges. He is currently out of jail after posting $30,000 bond, and could face up to 15 years in prison, if convicted.

Individuals arrested and charged in complaints are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.


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