Nieman returns $2,100 to Three Oaks Twp in Michigan

FROM: HERALDPALLIDIUM.COM  -


Erik Nieman has returned the $2,100 he got without the necessary documentation from Three Oaks Township on June 23 as director of its library.




Township Treasurer Kathy Osburn said Nieman, whose resignation was accepted by the Library Board Wednesday evening and who was fired by the River Valley School Board Monday, came to Township Hall Thursday and presented her with the full amount.



"It was half cash and half check," Osburn said.



Three Oaks Township Supervisor Chuck Sittig interpreted the action as a "show of good faith" on Nieman's part.




"The township's position," Sittig said, "is that when Mr. Nieman submits bills documenting what he spent, where he spent it and what he spent it on, he will be reimbursed."




The supervisor, who had attended Wednesday's meeting of the Library Board and chastised the board for sloppy finances, demanded a complete accounting of the $2,100 after learning that proper procedures were not followed in obtaining the money. The two board members who signed the voucher for the payment never saw any receipts or even a list of what the money was being used for. Nieman claims it was all destined for legitimate library expenses, most of which have already been paid.



Nieman, 36, who had been library director since 2003, seemed to shrug off criticisms that he was violating board policy - and possibly the law - at Wednesday's Library Board meeting.



The board, which in July had tabled action until mid-August on Nieman's resignation letter of July 13, held a special meeting Wednesday and accepted his resignation. But the board also asked him to stay on for 30 days so he can train current library staff to take over from him until a new director is hired.



The return of the $2,100 may clear the books as far as township officials are concerned, but not the Berrien County Prosecutor's Office, which this week charged Nieman with embezzlement. He is accused of misusing a credit card that was issued to him for business expenses related to his job as the River Valley School District's transportation director.



The prosecutor's office says he made more than $3,000 worth of purchases for personal items in at least five transactions.



The Three Oaks resident has admitted making unauthorized purchases with the credit card but he claims it was unintentional - that he was distracted and simply reached for the wrong card in his wallet on several occasions.



The mistake cost Nieman his job with the school district last Monday. He still faces arraignment in Berrien County Trial Court.