Scripps heir gets 9 years for swindling mother, disabled uncle of $3.6 million
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}A media company heir raised in what he called a wealthy but dysfunctional family was sentenced to nine years in prison for stealing millions of dollars from his mother and disabled uncle.
A defense lawyer argued Monday that Michael Scripps has built a productive life after becoming estranged from the family in 2006.
But a federal judge says the theft caused the estrangement.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Scripps was convicted of fraud at an April trial.
Prosecutors say he persuaded his mother to let his college friend in suburban Philadelphia manage $9 million of her and her brother's money.
Scripps then stole $3.6 million, with about $300,000 going to the friend, Richard "Duke" Gleeson. He faces sentencing later Monday.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Michael Scripps is a descendant of James E. Scripps, the founder of The Detroit News.