About a year ago Michael nearly died from dental problems. I and several
other members sent him money so he could have an extraction performed by a
charitable dentist (instead of having to wait for "free" dental work from a
local university).

Only one tooth was extracted, because the surgeon said the other did not
need to come out at that time. Michael could have lied about that and come
back for more money, but he did not.

Whatever his failings, he seems to be a honest person. Cut him a break.