Man gets probation in Appleton East's, Wisconsin Patriot Athletic Club embezzlement case

The former treasurer of Appleton East High School’s booster club will spend two years on probation after embezzling thousands from the group since taking the position in 2003.Michael K. Metcalf, 50, was sentenced in Outagamie County Court on Monday on two misdemeanor theft counts. Metcalf was given a two-year deferred prosecution agreement on a felony-level count of theft. Officials would dismiss the felony if he abides by terms of the agreement, which include no additional criminal activity during the two-year period. Metcalf had no previous criminal record. “This is a pretty bad situation, and he doesn’t want to sugarcoat it,” defense attorney Vince Biskupic said. “It’s a significant breach of trust.”Members of Appleton East’s Patriot Athletic Club went to police in January.A member of the club became suspicious of bank account discrepancies, and when obtaining monthly statements, she noticed two checks for $1,000 each made out by Metcalf to himself.Metcalf later told police he lost his job, fell behind on bills and began taking money from the accounts to meet his obligations. He said he always tried to pay the money back, the criminal complaint says.After going through records, Metcalf acknowledged taking nearly $42,000 without permission for his personal use through a number of checks dating to 2003.Metcalf has continued to repay the club this year, and payment of funds taken was listed as a condition of his probation. While the club will be made financially whole, it’s damaged in other ways, Judge Mitch Metropulos said. The thefts could jeopardize future donations. “What you did had a profound effect on the Appleton East community,” Metropulos said. Metcalf said he had no excuses and wasn’t looking for sympathy or forgiveness. He said it’s difficult to look at Appleton East parents and realize, “I stole from that guy’s kid.” “This has really humbled me and forced me to take a long look at myself,” Metcalf said.