Grandson Steals From Hospital-bound Grandpa in Missoula

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - On August 4, 2025, a Missoula Police Department officer was dispatched to the Motel 6 on East Broadway to investigate a case involving a temporary tenant. The officer met with the reporting party, who identified herself as the owner of the Motel 6. She advised that John Doe had been a long-term guest at the motel, with various stays throughout the summer.  

On July 20, 2025, Doe suffered a fall in the parking lot of the motel, which resulted in him being transported to St Patrick’s Hospital. Doe was confirmed to still be receiving medical care at the Hospital at the time of the report.  

The motel owner elected to call and inform Doe’s daughter, who also holds Power of Attorney for all of Doe's affairs. She also mentioned that she employed 34-year-old Michael Carlsen, who is the biological son of Doe’s daughter and the grandson of Doe. The motel owner described Michael's employment as "off and on", clarifying he was not currently employed at the motel.  

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The motel owner contacted Doe’s daughter to update her on Doe's health status, as well to inform her of the need to make plans for Doe's belongings inside his motel room, and his vehicle parked in the lot. The vehicle was later described as a 2023 Ford Explorer, valued at approximately $36,000. However, when the owner and her staff went to Doe’s motel room, they found all of his belongings and his Ford Explorer had all been removed and were nowhere to be found.  

On August 4, 2025, the owner received multiple messages from Michael claiming that he had been given permission from Doe to take possession of Doe’s property. The owner advised that at no time did she or her staff give Michael access to Doe's motel room. 

Michael Sends a Video 

The owner also mentioned that she received a video from Michael. The video was of Doe, who appeared to be seated in a hospital bed. In the video, Doe delivered a message claiming to be of "sound mind". After reviewing the video, the officer noted that it is apparent that Doe appears to need multiple cues on what he should be saying to the camera.  

At one point, Doe even asked Michael to remind him and clarify what he wanted him to say. Michael verbally instructs Doe to state that he is being granted permission and access to $10,000 from Doe. When Doe attempts to repeat this message to the camera, he appears confused and even initially states the wrong amount of $12,000 before correcting himself. Based on the content the officer observed in the video, Doe appeared to be coached on what to say. 

Doe’s Daughter Explains What Happened 

The officer then contacted Doe’s daughter, who confirmed the biological relationship between all parties, but was very clear in stating she does not have any relationship with her estranged son, Michael. She confirmed she was the Power of Attorney for her father, Doe, who had already been deemed unable to make decisions for his health, safety, and finances.  

She also confirmed that Doe suffered from Alzheimer’s, which Michael was aware of, and that only she has all decision-making powers regarding Doe’s welfare and property. She certified that she did not give Michael any permission to access Doe's belongings or finances. 

READ MORE: Missoula News - Crime Reports

After further investigation, Michael was arrested and transported to the Missoula County Detention Center. He is currently being charged with felony theft, felony theft of property of a light vehicle, and felony exploitation of an older person, incapacitated person, or person with developmental disability. His bond was set at $20,000. 

The information in this article was obtained from sources that are publicly viewable.