Lynn Jay Thurston booking photo from the Cache County Jail.
LOGAN — A 75-year-old Providence man is back in the Cache County Jail to begin serving time for stealing thousands of dollars from his family. Lynn J. Thurston was convicted of taking the money from multiple trust accounts intended for his grandchildren between 2009 and 2020.
According to court records, Thurston was sentenced Monday, Mar. 4, in Brigham City’s 1st District Court. He previously accepted a plea deal, pleading guilty to two counts of unlawful dealing with property by a fiduciary, a third-degree felony.
Judge Brandon Maynard sentenced Thurston to serve 59 days in jail. He ordered the defendant to turn himself into jail by 7 p.m. Monday.
According to prosecutors, 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 The money was then withdrawn in cash or used for personal purchases like a new truck.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 had previously argued that 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 He claimed the money was withdrawn to help the couple care for the children, including purchasing a vehicle for the granddaughter and paying for orthodontia work for both children.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’s case had been postponed several times after three judges recused themselves for various reasons. Judge Spencer Walsh reassigned the case because the defendant lives in his neighborhood. Judge Angela Fonnesbeck later recused herself because her law firm represented the Thurston’s before she became a judge.
In February 2023, Judge Brian Cannell also recused himself 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 was originally arrested June 9, 2021, and charged with 22 felony counts of unlawful dealing with property by a fiduciary and one count of money laundering. He had been allowed bail while the case worked through the court system.