Allegations of Financial Misconduct by Nebraska Guardian
In early November, a warrant was issued for the arrest of Becky Stamp, a court-appointed guardian accused of financial misconduct. She had previously been ordered to repay clients for overcharging fees. Court documents allege that Stamp accumulated over $21,000 in expenses at various shops in York using an account belonging to a man deemed unable to handle his financial affairs. Arrested and facing three felony charges, including abuse of a vulnerable adult, the case highlights concerns about the guardianship system in Nebraska.
Despite her arrest more than a month ago, Stamp continued to serve as a guardian for at least 25 vulnerable individuals across Nebraska. This is according to a review of court filings from 42 cases where she was appointed. Judges across the state responded by suspending or revoking her powers, and in some instances, ordered reviews of her financial filings.
Advocates argue that Stamp’s case underscores a “systemic failure” in protecting over 10,000 Nebraskans who are under guardianships due to age, disabilities, or injuries. “I think that Nebraska is in desperate need of a safety net of more oversight for guardians,” said Amy Miller, a staff attorney with Disability Rights Nebraska. The advocacy group was the first to publicize Stamp’s alleged theft in December.
Stamp’s situation is not isolated. A state official informed the Supreme Court Commission on Guardianships and Conservatorships that Stamp, at the time of her arrest, was involved in around 77 cases as a guardian or Social Security payee. The State Patrol is currently investigating additional potential victims.
In a notable incident, even after being charged, Stamp allegedly continued financial misdeeds. In Merrick County, she was appointed as a guardian for a 46-year-old man in October. By December, Stamp purportedly wrote an $810 check to herself from his account. “I suppose the reality is that it would be foolish for anyone in the position of facing a criminal charge to continue to act in a wrongful way,” said Miller. “But technically, she does still have the power of guardianship until that has been revoked by a judge.”
Through her legal representation, Stamp has refrained from commenting on the case.
Corey Steel, the state court administrator, noted that the judicial branch has “informal mechanisms” for promptly alerting judges about potential issues, allowing them to decide the appropriate next steps. However, the specific judicial response to Stamp’s case remains undisclosed due to the state’s Code of Judicial Conduct. State law does not mandate the removal of a guardian under any circumstances.
Revisiting Nebraska’s Guardianship System
The current concerns echo a 2013 state audit which led to significant changes in the Nebraska guardianship system. That audit uncovered financial abuses by a Bayard woman managing over 600 guardianship cases. In response, Nebraska legislators established the Office of Public Guardian, making it the last state to set up a central guardianship office.
The reforms placed limitations on public guardians, such as capping caseloads at 20 and requiring monthly visits. However, private guardians like Stamp were not subjected to the same restrictions. State Auditor Mike Foley, whose investigation spurred these changes, expressed disappointment, stating, “I thought we had it tamed. But obviously we didn’t.”
Though state law requires guardians to undergo background checks and submit regular reports, these reports are sometimes neglected. In 2024, Disability Rights Nebraska raised concerns about court staff lacking resources to ensure compliance with reporting requirements.
The Supreme Court Commission on Guardianships and Conservatorships is working on improvements. Last year, the Legislature authorized national criminal history checks for guardian applicants, following a recommendation from the commission.
State Sen. Wendy DeBoer is considering legislation to limit caseloads for private guardians but cautions against overburdening paperwork requirements, which could deter potential guardians. “I hope we do not have the kind of reaction we did the last time something really bad happened within this system,” she stated.
Despite the ongoing issues, Stamp continued to receive new appointments. In 2025, she was appointed to at least 14 new cases. Legal filings reveal multiple lawsuits against her for unpaid debts and failures to meet guardianship obligations. In some instances, judges maintained her guardianship despite overdue financial reports and client complaints.
The ongoing situation with Stamp and her business, Stamped With Love LLC, is now central to discussions on reforming Nebraska’s guardianship system.
