Sand Creek embezzlement bound over to circuit court in Michigan

An attorney for the former president of the Sand Creek schools band boosters club said Wednesday he will try to repay money he is accused of embezzling and work out a plea agreement.

Jee-Hak Kim Pinsoneault, 34, was charged Jan. 15 with taking more than $13,000 from the club’s bank account during the two years he served as president. Pinsoneault waived a preliminary examination in Lenawee County District Court on a felony charge of embezzlement between $1,000 and $20,000. He remains free on personal recognizance pending his arraignment in circuit court on Feb. 10.

“Obviously, one of the best things we can do is make restitution as soon as we can and work out a plea bargain when we get to circuit court,” public defender John Glaser told the court Wednesday in waiving a hearing on evidence in the case.

Pinsoneault said he agreed with Glaser’s statement when asked by Judge Laura J. Schaedler.

The alleged embezzlement was reported by club leaders in Nov-ember to Sand Creek Community Schools administrators. The Lenawee County Sheriff’s Department was immediately notified, said school superintendent Steve Laundra.

Detective Daniel O’Leary said an investigation revealed approximately $13,000 was missing from the boosters’ club bank account since Pinsoneault gained access to the account as club president on Oct. 13, 2013.

“He is fully cooperating and turned himself in,” O’Leary said after Pinsoneault was charged. No money was recovered during the investigation, he said.

Glaser said Wednesday he has no information about what became of the money his client is charged with embezzling.

O’Leary said it appears the money was gradually withdrawn in small amounts over the two-year period until the account was closed on Nov. 15.