On April 17, 2025, 62-year-old white male Michael Scott Dixon of Walstonburg, North Carolina, died by suicide at his home, just one day after being released from jail on charges related to a significant financial exploitation case. Dixon had been arrested alongside his wife, 58-year-old Sandra Dixon, for allegedly embezzling over $346,000 from a 70-year-old cancer patient named Clifton Powers.
The couple faced multiple felony charges, including embezzlement of over $100,000, exploitation of a disabled or elderly adult, and felony conspiracy.
The case originated in 2023 when Clifton Powers and his late wife sought assistance from the Dixons during his cancer treatment and recovery from a stroke. Authorities allege that the Dixons manipulated Powers into signing legal documents granting them power of attorney, naming them as sole beneficiaries in his will, and transferring the deed of his home into their names. Medical professionals advised Powers to seek legal counsel, leading to the revocation of the Dixons' control over his affairs. However, after Powers passed away in October 2024, the Dixons reportedly sold his home and retained the proceeds without settling his estate.
Following their arrests, both Michael and Sandra Dixon were released on $200,000 secured bonds. Tragically, Michael Dixon was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound at his residence on April 17, 2025. The incident was confirmed as a suicide by Greene County Sheriff Matt Sasser. Sandra Dixon remains out on bond and is expected to face trial on the aforementioned charges. The investigation into the financial exploitation case continues as authorities work to uncover the full extent of the alleged abuse.
