Strandquist, Minnesota, man accused of financially exploiting girlfriend's mother

MARSHALL COUNTY, Minn. — A Strandquist, Minnesota, man had his first appearance in court Tuesday, June 18, for alleged financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult.

Jeffrey Lars McHam, 65, was released without bond on his own promise to appear for future court proceedings.

McHam and his significant other, Peggy Ann Omdahl, are charged with financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult, breaching fiduciary obligation and failing to provide care.

They face up to 20 years in prison for the felony charge.

McHam and Omdahl are accused of exploiting Omdahl's mother in excess of $275,000, according to a probable cause statement filed in the case. In November, a vulnerable adult report was filed with Marshall County Social Services and the Marshall County Sheriff's Office.

The nursing home Omdahl's mother had been living at since November 2022 reported receiving only four payments, and a debt of more than $100,000, the statement said. Omdahl's mother's finances showed her account depreciated more than $100,000 from December 2019 to January 2024.

An unidentified number of $10,000 checks were written to McHam, according to the statement.

Omdahl has been her mother's financial power of attorney for more than a decade. Her first appearance took place June 4, during which she was granted release with no bond amount or conditions.

McHam and Omdahl are scheduled for omnibus hearings at 9 a.m. Aug. 27.