Children’s Author Kouri Richins Facing New Charges Linked to Husband’s Death
Renowned children’s author Kouri Richins, known for her book on coping with grief following the alleged murder of her husband, has been hit with over two dozen new charges related to financial schemes connected to his demise.
Summit County prosecutors recently revealed that Richins, 33, is accused of engaging in significant financial misconduct, including taking out high-interest loans, fabricating documents, and funneling money through shell companies in the months leading up to her husband Eric Richins’ poisoning death in 2022.
It was reported that Richins obtained a $250,000 home equity line of credit on Eric’s premarital home without his knowledge by using a power of attorney. She allegedly redirected the funds into her real estate business, K. Richins Realty.
Eric eventually discovered the secret line of credit, causing tension in their relationship. Following this revelation, he sought legal advice to safeguard his assets and his children from potential financial abuse.
Despite Richins’ assurance that she would repay the loan, it remained outstanding at the time of Eric’s death. The charging documents further reveal that she had accumulated millions in debt through hard money loans and was on the brink of financial collapse by the end of 2021.
Prosecutors also disclosed that Richins had agreed to purchase a $2.9 million mansion just days before Eric’s death, adding to her mounting financial obligations.
Before his passing, Eric had excluded Richins from his will and altered his life insurance policy. Richins attempted to name herself as the policy beneficiary but was thwarted, leading Eric to reinstate his sister as the beneficiary.
Richins is facing multiple charges, including money laundering, mortgage fraud, forgery, and issuing bad checks. Her defense attorneys have raised concerns about the timing of the new charges, suggesting they may impact her ongoing murder trial.
Richins’ murder trial, scheduled for February 2026, has garnered widespread attention due to her self-published book “Are You with Me?” about a father who becomes an angel after his passing, a narrative that has drawn parallels to her own circumstances.
As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen how the financial charges will be addressed in relation to the murder case.
