When Michigan residents are frantic about money problems, they may take desperate measures to try and resolve financial issues. People from all walks of life may resort to white collar crimes if they are overwhelmed by financial difficulties. In many cases, the accused individuals are hardworking and honest people who have made an error in judgment that led to the situation in which their integrity will be questioned.
A 45-year-old woman from Westland is being accused of embezzlement of funds belonging to a hockey club. Initially, she was charged with stealing between $1,000 and $20,000 from the club, but the charges have been amended. She now faces charges of embezzling between $20,000 and $50,000 from the sports club.
Police reported that the hockey club initially reported that approximately $8,600 had been withdrawn from its account without authorization. However, closer scrutiny revealed that about $45,500 had allegedly been unlawfully taken over a period of three years. According to the charges, it is alleged that the woman had used the funds for her own benefit to cover personal expenses along with paying $8,000 on her mortgage. It is further alleged that she used the group's ATM card to withdraw cash, and also issued checks for which funds were not available.
The woman reportedly pleaded not guilty at her arraignment and is currently free on bond. In order to protect her rights and prevent the consequences to impact adversely on her professional and personal future, her best action may be to enlist the help of an attorney who will consider all sides of the story. An experienced Michigan criminal defense attorney can mount a defense against white collar crimes such as embezzlement, and can guide the client throughout the legal proceedings with the ultimate goal of obtaining an acceptable outcome.
Source: Detroit Free Press, "Charge increased in Westland hockey embezzlement case", LeAnne Rogers, Oct. 9, 2015