Stepfather emptied daughter college fund

[aceoftrades]

I'm not sure if this is the correct category but here goes. I have an 18 year old daughter from a previous marriage. She has lived with me for the last 2 years. When she was young her grandparents (mothers parents) gave her $3000 for college as well as monies for her 2 step brothers. Her mother and step father (now going through a divorce) put the money into a 529 College Fund for her and 2 other account for her step brothers with his (step father) ssn on the account listed as the custodial account holder; as he took care of all finances and investments. She in now in college and has attempted to access the funds only to find out that her step father emptied the account the day before her 18th birthday for over $5400 which included major penalties with the withdrawal since it was not used for further education. The other 2 account (his sons) have not been touched. Her mother and step father had been separated for approximately 3 years when the account was emptied. To top it off he is a police detective, and is of the mind set that he is untouchable, and should have known how unethical this was. Not sure what recourse my daughter has if any. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[kimsmarkin]

I do not know if this is the right category, but here goes. I am 18 years old daughter from a previous marriage. He lived with me the last two years. When he was young his grandparents (mothers and parents), gave him a $ 3,000 higher education institutions, and money for 2 Step Brothers. His mother and stepfather.

[merabasera]

I think you have to ask her step father.And fro further studies if afford education loan then this is the best idea.