The Barometer Online

Issue date: 4/20/07 Section: News

OSU Baseball player Mike Lissman [Click to enlarge]

Mike Lissman, an outfielder on the OSU baseball team, has been charged by the Malheur County District Attorney Dan Norris with four counts of second degree theft in connection with his mother's charge for first degree agravated theft. Second degree theft is a misdemeanor.

Margie Yasuda, Lissman's mother, pleaded guilty April 10 for stealing money from an elderly family member.

According to the Argus Observer, the Ontario newspaper where Lissman is from, the money was stolen between July 2006 and February 2007. The victim gave Yasuda power of attorney in August 2006 before a medical operation.

"He gave her limited power of attorney, the ability to pay his bills on his behalf," Norris said. "It appears from police reports that the money was withdrawn at that time."

Norris estimates that over $30,000 was withdrawn from the victim's account.

According to the Argus Observer, Lissman used credit and debit cards in the victim's name at a variety of Corvallis businesses.

Yasuda is scheduled to be sentenced May 29. Norris said the court clerk will work with Lissman and his attorney, Doug Rock, to set a court date for Lissman. He will be arraigned and may enter a plea at that time.

Norris said there will not be an arrest warrant issued for Lissman and that the Malheur County DA's office had been working with the Benton County District Attorney prior to charging Lissman.

Norris also said that Yasuda agreed to put a lean against her real estate, meaning she will put her property up for sale to pay back the victim. If the victim is not paid back in 12 months, Yasuda will spend 19 months in prison.

"I'm certainly hoping the money gets paid back to the victim before that time," Norris said.

The victim's bank originally reported the activity, suspicious of large amounts of money being withdrawn in a short period of time.

"When banks spot suspicious activity they can come forward and call the authoriies," Norris explained.

An investigation was conducted by the Ontario Police Department and the Oregon Department of Human Services which eventually led to the DA's involvement and Yasuda's charging. The victim has not been named but according to the Argus Observer, he is an 85-year-old resident of Ontario.

"He's an elderly relative," Norris said. "He does have the ability to make decisions regarding his finances.

"Unfortunately, financial exploitation of the elderly is a common situation."

Lissman, a senior, is in the midst of a breakout season. He is currently batting .320 for the Beavers and has 39 RBI on the season.

Lissman could not be reached for comment and Rock declined to comment. Yasuda could also not be reached for comment. According to Dan Lissman, Mike's father and Yasuda's ex-husband, Yasuda was in Corvallis Sunday for the Beavers' doubleheader against UNLV.

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