Former financial advisor Marion Joan Pearson faced the Perth Magistrates Court over serious stealing charges. She is accused of misappropriating approximately $4.1 million belonging to 13 clients.
Pearson was extradited from New Zealand after a lengthy legal battle. Australian authorities successfully brought her back following a ruling by New Zealand’s Supreme Court in May, which dismissed her final appeal against extradition.
She appeared in court on 21 August 2025. The allegations involve 136 counts of stealing, which reportedly occurred between 6 January 2009 and 25 October 2013.
Under section 378 of the Criminal Code (WA), each stealing offence carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison, particularly when the offender held a power of attorney.
Pearson has been remanded in custody, with a next court date set for 1 October 2025 at Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court.
The prosecution is being handled by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (Cth) after a referral and investigation by ASIC.
In 2014, shortly after ASIC began its investigation, Pearson returned to New Zealand, where she remained until her extradition. ASIC continued its inquiry during her absence.
In November 2015, ASIC permanently banned Pearson from providing financial services in Australia. A warrant for her arrest was issued in December 2018, linked to the 136 counts of stealing.
