Former financial advisor Marion Joan Pearson has appeared in the Perth Magistrates Court over stealing charges related to the alleged misappropriation of approximately $4,100,000 belonging to 13 clients.
Ms Pearson was successfully extradited from New Zealand by Australian authorities after several years of appeals against her extradition. New Zealand's Supreme Court ruled against Ms Pearson's final appeal against her extradition in May this year.
Ms Pearson appeared before the Magistrates Court on 21 August 2025 in relation to the 136 counts of stealing allegedly committed between 6 January 2009 and 25 October 2013.
Under section 378 of the Criminal Code (WA), the maximum penalty for each offence of stealing is ten years imprisonment if the property has been received by the offender with a power of attorney for the disposition thereof.
Ms Pearson was remanded in custody until the next court date at Stirling Gardens Magistrates Court on 1 October 2025.
The matter is being prosecuted by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (Cth) following an investigation and referral by ASIC.
Background
In July 2014, soon after the commencement of ASIC's investigation, Ms Pearson returned to New Zealand where she remained until her extradition. ASIC continued its investigation while Ms Pearson resided in New Zealand.
In November 2015, Ms Pearson was permanently banned from providing financial services in Australia by ASIC (15-324MR).
In December 2018, an arrest warrant was issued for Ms Pearson in respect of 136 counts of stealing pursuant to s378 of the Criminal Code (WA).
