Summit County, Utah — Kouri Richins, a children’s author who gained attention for writing a book about coping with grief after the alleged murder of her husband, was hit with over two dozen new charges related to financial schemes connected to his death.
Financial Manipulation and Fraud Allegations
On Friday, Summit County prosecutors announced that Richins, 33, had allegedly taken out high-interest loans, forged documents, and used shell companies in the months leading up to her husband Eric Richins’ death from poisoning in 2022.
Prosecutors claim she used a power of attorney to secure a $250,000 home equity line of credit (HELOC) on Eric’s premarital home without his knowledge. This money was allegedly funneled into her real estate business, K. Richins Realty.
Eric discovered the secret loan in October 2020, which led to tension between the couple. Despite promising to repay the loan, it had not been paid off by the time of his death, according to court documents.
Escalating Financial Troubles
The new charges suggest that Richins borrowed millions through high-interest loans as her real estate business struggled with existing debts.
By December 2021, she was deep in debt and had agreed to purchase a $2.9 million mansion, with plans to close on the property on March 4, 2022—the day of Eric’s death.
Court documents show that by the day of Eric’s death, her real estate business owed at least $1.8 million to hard money lenders, and after his death, the amount had increased to nearly $5 million.
Despite Eric cutting her out of his will and changing his life insurance policy, Richins allegedly tried to name herself as the beneficiary, but Eric reversed the move, restoring his sister to the plan.
The Alleged Murder and Financial Theft
In addition to these financial allegations, prosecutors said that Richins stole about $134,000 from her husband’s business, withdrew $100,000 from his bank accounts, and spent over $30,000 using his credit cards.
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Legal Consequences and Upcoming Trial
Richins now faces several financial charges, including seven counts of money laundering, five counts of mortgage fraud, and one count each of communications fraud and engaging in a pattern of unlawful activity.
She is also charged with five counts of forgery and seven counts of issuing a bad check. These charges are primarily second- and third-degree felonies.
While Richins was charged with her husband’s murder in May 2022 after allegedly poisoning him with a fentanyl-laced Moscow Mule, her defense attorneys have argued that the new charges highlight the weaknesses in the state’s murder case.
They have also expressed concerns about the timing of the charges, suggesting that they may complicate jury selection.
Richins’ murder trial is slated to begin in February 2026. Prosecutors have indicated that the financial charges may be handled in a separate legal proceeding.
What are your thoughts on the new charges and the unfolding case? Share your opinion in the comments below. For more updates on this case, visit ridgecrestpact.org.
