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Two people fined for probates for profit scheme in Skagit County

Bellingham, WALocal News

In a significant ruling, John Elliott and Shanelle Sunde have been fined over $7 million for their "probates for profit" scheme in Washington state. The King County court found them liable for manipulating legal loopholes to serve as estate administrators for about 200 deceased individuals between March 2019 and January 2024. They sold at least 90 estate homes valued over $28 million while pocketing substantial commissions without notifying the rightful heirs. Eight of these probates were specifically opened in Skagit County, impacting local families. Elliott was additionally found guilty of taking valuable items from the estates, including a Jaguar sedan, a Rolex watch, and firearms.

The case highlights the vulnerabilities in probate law that can be exploited by unscrupulous individuals. In response, the court has barred both Elliott and Sunde from future roles as probate administrators. This ruling aims to protect vulnerable families from similar exploitative schemes in the future.

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