FROM http://www.battlecreekenquirer.com/ -
After she repaid the money, charges were dropped Thursday against a woman accused of embezzling from a Battle Creek church.
Kathleen Vanorsdol, 36, of Kalamazoo and her attorney Jeffrey Getting presented a certified check for $44,000 to Calhoun County prosecutors and church officials in Calhoun County Circuit Court just before Vanorsdol could have been sentenced after earlier entering a plea.
Vanorsdol would have faced up to 10 years in prison but as part of a plea agreement, the charge was dropped in exchange for restitution.
Battle Creek police and the church alleged she stole at least $47,737 between Sept. 1 2009 and April 1, 2011, when an audit revealed the theft. But assistant prosecutor Sarah Lincoln said officials could only corroborate $44,000.
Several members of the congregation and Pastor Billie Dalton attended the hearing and accepted the check.
Lincoln said while repayment was positive and fulfilled the agreement, the theft by the former financial manager "has significantly hurt this congregation" by shaking their trust in other people.
Circuit Judge Allen Garbrecht told her, "what you have done is stolen the money and without this agreement you would be sentenced. What you did impacted other people and it was a pretty low blow to steal from these people. I hope you will learn."
Vanorsdol told the judge, "I am truly sorry for betraying the trust of the people of First United Methodist Church."
But Garbrecht said she should say it directly to the people in the audience.
Vanorsdol turned and said, "I am very sorry for what I did. I am working to get better. It will never happen again."
Showing posts with label church embezzlement michigan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label church embezzlement michigan. Show all posts
Friday, August 19, 2011
Sunday, January 9, 2011
RIVERVIEW, Michigan: Police, school officials not talking about embezzlement
Office and school officials aren’t saying much about an alleged embezzlement involving a school club.
What’s known is that a member of the Riverview Community High School Football Booster Club is under suspicion of stealing an undisclosed amount of money.
School Supt. Dennis Desmarais said no other club or school organization is under scrutiny.
“We are dealing with an embezzlement case with the football boosters,” he said. “It’s hard to say how much. That’s being taken to the (Wayne County) Prosecutor’s Office right now. They have to look at it.”
Deputy Police Chief Clifford Rosebohm said police submitted a warrant request to the prosecutor’s office Tuesday.
“(Information) can’t be disclosed right now because it is an active investigation,” he said. “It’s at the prosecutor’s office, and they will provide a thorough investigation of what the Police Department has put forward.”
Although Rosebohm would not give a dollar amount, he said the alleged embezzlement took place during the 2010 football season.
The most recent case of embezzlement in the school district that was taken to police, and eventually to the court system, involved former high school Assistant Principal Lisa Zoltowski, who resigned in July 2009 after the district discovered missing funds.
Zoltowski was charged with one count of embezzlement by an agent of an amount more than $1,000 but less than $20,000.
According to district records, slightly more than $7,000 was taken during the 2005-06 and 2006-07 school years from athletic pass and student parking pass accounts.
Zoltowski was accepted into the court’s diversion program for first-time, nonviolent offenders, which allowed her to avoid jail time, but required full restitution, community service and other conditions.
Some school district insiders have told The News-Herald Newspapers that the incident involving the Football Booster Club is not the only one of its kind in recent years.
Desmarais said, however, that there is no truth to rumors of other incidents during his four years as superintendent.
“We have had some situations with minor amounts of (missing) money that we have dealt with, but nothing comparable to Zoltowski or comparable to this,” he said.
Rosebohm said the officer who initially looked into the allegation turned it over to the detective bureau after determining it required further investigation.
The police investigation took about a month, and Rosebohm said he expects the prosecutor’s office to take about the same amount of time.
Prosecutor’s office spokeswoman Maria Miller would confirm only that a warrant request regarding the embezzlement case is being reviewed.
She said it mostly likely would take about three weeks for a decision.
Rosebohm and Desmarais emphasized that only one person is under suspicion, so this is not being viewed as a larger-scale problem within the Football Booster Club.
What’s known is that a member of the Riverview Community High School Football Booster Club is under suspicion of stealing an undisclosed amount of money.
School Supt. Dennis Desmarais said no other club or school organization is under scrutiny.
“We are dealing with an embezzlement case with the football boosters,” he said. “It’s hard to say how much. That’s being taken to the (Wayne County) Prosecutor’s Office right now. They have to look at it.”
Deputy Police Chief Clifford Rosebohm said police submitted a warrant request to the prosecutor’s office Tuesday.
“(Information) can’t be disclosed right now because it is an active investigation,” he said. “It’s at the prosecutor’s office, and they will provide a thorough investigation of what the Police Department has put forward.”
Although Rosebohm would not give a dollar amount, he said the alleged embezzlement took place during the 2010 football season.
The most recent case of embezzlement in the school district that was taken to police, and eventually to the court system, involved former high school Assistant Principal Lisa Zoltowski, who resigned in July 2009 after the district discovered missing funds.
Zoltowski was charged with one count of embezzlement by an agent of an amount more than $1,000 but less than $20,000.
According to district records, slightly more than $7,000 was taken during the 2005-06 and 2006-07 school years from athletic pass and student parking pass accounts.
Zoltowski was accepted into the court’s diversion program for first-time, nonviolent offenders, which allowed her to avoid jail time, but required full restitution, community service and other conditions.
Some school district insiders have told The News-Herald Newspapers that the incident involving the Football Booster Club is not the only one of its kind in recent years.
Desmarais said, however, that there is no truth to rumors of other incidents during his four years as superintendent.
“We have had some situations with minor amounts of (missing) money that we have dealt with, but nothing comparable to Zoltowski or comparable to this,” he said.
Rosebohm said the officer who initially looked into the allegation turned it over to the detective bureau after determining it required further investigation.
The police investigation took about a month, and Rosebohm said he expects the prosecutor’s office to take about the same amount of time.
Prosecutor’s office spokeswoman Maria Miller would confirm only that a warrant request regarding the embezzlement case is being reviewed.
She said it mostly likely would take about three weeks for a decision.
Rosebohm and Desmarais emphasized that only one person is under suspicion, so this is not being viewed as a larger-scale problem within the Football Booster Club.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Michigan man accused of stealing from Sunday collection at Warren church
Hard times may have driven a Sterling Heights man to steal from his own church, police said. Kevin John Hampson, 49, is accused of stealing a portion of the Sunday offerings at Crown of Life Evangelical Lutheran Church, on Ryan Road in Warren. New security measures by church personnel led to Hampson's arrest shortly before noon Sunday.
Warren Detective Lt. Michael Torey said a church elder counted and recorded currency from the offerings received after the 8:30 a.m. service. Following the 11 a.m. service, a church official discovered some money and envelopes were missing.
Officials checked a closed-circuit video system that was installed less than a month ago as a security measure following a similar theft recently. The video showed a man entering an office area.
The church pastor phoned police and reported that a man matching the description was in the parking lot talking to two women.
When officers arrived, the man quickly entered the driver side of a 1998 Ford Ranger pickup truck, police said.
"Upon approaching him, officers saw white church envelopes on the floorboard of the vehicle," Torey said. "He confessed to taking the money."
Police recovered seven sealed envelopes later determined to contain a total of $272, and two, $20 bills. Those bills had serial numbers matching the numbers recorded earlier that morning.
Investigators did not immediately know whether Hampson attended Sunday morning services last weekend, but believe he acted alone in the alleged theft.
"He said he's laid off and needs money," Torey said.
Hampson was arraigned Monday in 37th District Court on a charge of larceny from a building, a felony punishable by up to four years in prison. Judge Dawnn Gruenburg set bond at $2,500.
A preliminary hearing to determine whether Hampson should stand trial is scheduled for May 11.
The Macomb Daily unsuccessfully tried to reach pastors at Crown of Life Evangelical Lutheran Church for comment.
The church-collection theft is not a unique case for Warren detectives.
"But it doesn't happen very often," Torey added.
Warren Detective Lt. Michael Torey said a church elder counted and recorded currency from the offerings received after the 8:30 a.m. service. Following the 11 a.m. service, a church official discovered some money and envelopes were missing.
Officials checked a closed-circuit video system that was installed less than a month ago as a security measure following a similar theft recently. The video showed a man entering an office area.
The church pastor phoned police and reported that a man matching the description was in the parking lot talking to two women.
When officers arrived, the man quickly entered the driver side of a 1998 Ford Ranger pickup truck, police said.
"Upon approaching him, officers saw white church envelopes on the floorboard of the vehicle," Torey said. "He confessed to taking the money."
Police recovered seven sealed envelopes later determined to contain a total of $272, and two, $20 bills. Those bills had serial numbers matching the numbers recorded earlier that morning.
Investigators did not immediately know whether Hampson attended Sunday morning services last weekend, but believe he acted alone in the alleged theft.
"He said he's laid off and needs money," Torey said.
Hampson was arraigned Monday in 37th District Court on a charge of larceny from a building, a felony punishable by up to four years in prison. Judge Dawnn Gruenburg set bond at $2,500.
A preliminary hearing to determine whether Hampson should stand trial is scheduled for May 11.
The Macomb Daily unsuccessfully tried to reach pastors at Crown of Life Evangelical Lutheran Church for comment.
The church-collection theft is not a unique case for Warren detectives.
"But it doesn't happen very often," Torey added.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Port Huron, Michigan Woman to be in court on embezzlement charge
A 48-year-old Port Huron Township woman charged with stealing money from St. Edward On-the-Lake Catholic Church has a plea hearing at 1:45 p.m. Monday, April 26, 2010 in St. Clair County Circuit Judge Daniel Kelly’s courtroom.
Jacalyn O’Boyle is charged with embezzlement $100,000 or more. O’Boyle worked for the church for 15 years. The missing money was discovered during a July audit
Jacalyn O’Boyle is charged with embezzlement $100,000 or more. O’Boyle worked for the church for 15 years. The missing money was discovered during a July audit
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
State police investigate possible embezzlement of church funds in Birch Run, Michigan
Personnel from the state police Bridgeport Post are investigating a possible case of embezzlement at the Christ Lutheran Church, 8101 Poellet, in the Village of Birch Run, said State Police Sgt. Kristin R. Winterstein Monday.
She said the investigation began in September, but she declined to share any further details of the investigation.
Rev. Dr. Richard D. Hillenbrand, who the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Web site lists as a Frankenmuth resident and the church’s pastor, said he will not comment on the matter until the investigation is completed.
The congregation has 373 “confirmed members” and an estimated weekly-worship attendance of 130, the Web site says.
She said the investigation began in September, but she declined to share any further details of the investigation.
Rev. Dr. Richard D. Hillenbrand, who the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod Web site lists as a Frankenmuth resident and the church’s pastor, said he will not comment on the matter until the investigation is completed.
The congregation has 373 “confirmed members” and an estimated weekly-worship attendance of 130, the Web site says.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Woman charged with stealing from Port Huron, Michigan church
A 48-year-old woman who worked at St. Edward On-
the-Lake Catholic Church for 15 years is charged
with stealing $100,000 or more from the parish.
Jacalyn Renee O’Boyle of Port Huron Township was
charged with embezzlement, $100,000 or more Feb.
9. Bond was set at $2,500. A preliminary
examination is scheduled for 9:30 Tuesday
morning. Joe Kohn, Archdiocese of Detroit spokesman, said
they believe the theft was done during the past few y
ears. Court records list the offense date as Jan. 1,
2003.
Kohn said missing funds were discovered in July
during a regular audit conducted by the
Archdiocese. He didn’t know when the last audit was
done before that.
Kohn said O’Boyle and the church parted ways
following the audit, he didn’t know if she was fired
or resigned.
“We take seriously any action that would take from
the trust of those who give to the church,” he said.
Trooper Bethany Craig, with the Michigan State
police Richmond post, said she started investigating
the case in December. She said O’Boyle turned
herself in Feb. 9.
Craig said they are not releasing information about
how the money was allegedly embezzled.
“It’s always upsetting when someone is accused of
seriously betraying the trust of a community, but as
Christians, we’re taught to forgive even as justice
takes its course,” said the Rev. Joseph Esper, past of
St. Edward. “We’re praying for everyone affected by
this situation.”
Esper said he couldn’t comment further due to the
ongoing court case.
the-Lake Catholic Church for 15 years is charged
with stealing $100,000 or more from the parish.
Jacalyn Renee O’Boyle of Port Huron Township was
charged with embezzlement, $100,000 or more Feb.
9. Bond was set at $2,500. A preliminary
examination is scheduled for 9:30 Tuesday
morning. Joe Kohn, Archdiocese of Detroit spokesman, said
they believe the theft was done during the past few y
ears. Court records list the offense date as Jan. 1,
2003.
Kohn said missing funds were discovered in July
during a regular audit conducted by the
Archdiocese. He didn’t know when the last audit was
done before that.
Kohn said O’Boyle and the church parted ways
following the audit, he didn’t know if she was fired
or resigned.
“We take seriously any action that would take from
the trust of those who give to the church,” he said.
Trooper Bethany Craig, with the Michigan State
police Richmond post, said she started investigating
the case in December. She said O’Boyle turned
herself in Feb. 9.
Craig said they are not releasing information about
how the money was allegedly embezzled.
“It’s always upsetting when someone is accused of
seriously betraying the trust of a community, but as
Christians, we’re taught to forgive even as justice
takes its course,” said the Rev. Joseph Esper, past of
St. Edward. “We’re praying for everyone affected by
this situation.”
Esper said he couldn’t comment further due to the
ongoing court case.
Saturday, January 30, 2010
71-year-old Waterford, Michigan woman arraigned on embezzlement charges after church says she stole from collection plates
A 71-year-old Waterford woman has been arraigned on embezzlement charges after police say she had been stealing from a Pontiac church's collection plates a short time after she began volunteering to help count its offerings.
Sally Crake was arrested in December with an unexplained $800 on her person. Surveillance cameras in St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church were placed in the volunteer area after suspicions about collection receipts not adding up arose.
Crake appeared in front of Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Rae Lee Shabot on Tuesday
Sally Crake was arrested in December with an unexplained $800 on her person. Surveillance cameras in St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church were placed in the volunteer area after suspicions about collection receipts not adding up arose.
Crake appeared in front of Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Rae Lee Shabot on Tuesday
Friday, December 25, 2009
GROSSE POINTE WOODS, MICHIGAN CHURCH BOOKKEEPER PLEADS GUILTY TO EMBEZZLEMENT
A volunteer bookkeeper at a Grosse Pointe Woods church pleaded guilty on December 17, 2009 to four counts of embezzlement charges that could result in up to 15 years in prison.
Frederick Anthony Petz, 59, of Grosse Pointe Woods was charged in September for taking more than $90,000 from Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church. He will be sentenced in Wayne Circuit Court Jan. 25.
Petz had been an unpaid bookkeeper given total control of church finances, according to Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy. Petz also worked for Renaissance Vicariate, a group of 26 parishes that collaborate on Catholic programs and services in the Grosse Pointes, Harper Woods and Detroit.
Discrepancies in operating accounts from 2007 and 2008 were reported to the Catholic Archdiocese in the spring by the church's new pastor, Gary Smetanka. Grosse Pointe Woods Police were notified in May when an audit by the Archdiocese traced missing funds back to Petz, according to the prosecutor.
Frederick Anthony Petz, 59, of Grosse Pointe Woods was charged in September for taking more than $90,000 from Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church. He will be sentenced in Wayne Circuit Court Jan. 25.
Petz had been an unpaid bookkeeper given total control of church finances, according to Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy. Petz also worked for Renaissance Vicariate, a group of 26 parishes that collaborate on Catholic programs and services in the Grosse Pointes, Harper Woods and Detroit.
Discrepancies in operating accounts from 2007 and 2008 were reported to the Catholic Archdiocese in the spring by the church's new pastor, Gary Smetanka. Grosse Pointe Woods Police were notified in May when an audit by the Archdiocese traced missing funds back to Petz, according to the prosecutor.
Thursday, December 24, 2009
PONTIAC, MICHIGAN CHURCH VOLUNTEER ACCUSED OF THEFT
A 71-year-old church volunteer accused of stealing thousands of dollars from St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Pontiac was charged on December 22, 2009 in the crime.
Salley Crake entered not guilty pleas in a Pontiac courtroom Tuesday to felony charges of embezzlement and larceny.
Police said Crake had been stealing hundreds of dollars once a week from the church located at 46408 Woodward Ave.
At the time of her arrest on Monday, she had $800 on her, said Pontiac police Sgt. Steve Troy.
Church officials suspected someone was stealing from the collection plate when it was being counted back in November and set up surveillance cameras.
Police said Crake was caught her on surveillance video taking the money and stuffing it down her pants.
However, investigators said that they believe that Crake may have been stealing money from the plate long before anyone at the church began to notice.
The Rev. James Kean said he was not aware of any previous issues with Crake when he started at the church in July.
"The pain of realizing this is someone you know, the pain of realizing that this is going to be and have a huge impact on the community," Kean told Local 4.
Crake was ordered to stay out of Pontiac and not to have any communication with the church. She will be back in court on Dec. 29 for another hearing.
"We prayed for the person involved in this. We prayed for what's going to happen when the details started to come to light," said Kean.
Salley Crake entered not guilty pleas in a Pontiac courtroom Tuesday to felony charges of embezzlement and larceny.
Police said Crake had been stealing hundreds of dollars once a week from the church located at 46408 Woodward Ave.
At the time of her arrest on Monday, she had $800 on her, said Pontiac police Sgt. Steve Troy.
Church officials suspected someone was stealing from the collection plate when it was being counted back in November and set up surveillance cameras.
Police said Crake was caught her on surveillance video taking the money and stuffing it down her pants.
However, investigators said that they believe that Crake may have been stealing money from the plate long before anyone at the church began to notice.
The Rev. James Kean said he was not aware of any previous issues with Crake when he started at the church in July.
"The pain of realizing this is someone you know, the pain of realizing that this is going to be and have a huge impact on the community," Kean told Local 4.
Crake was ordered to stay out of Pontiac and not to have any communication with the church. She will be back in court on Dec. 29 for another hearing.
"We prayed for the person involved in this. We prayed for what's going to happen when the details started to come to light," said Kean.
Monday, December 21, 2009
DETROIT, MICHIGAN MAN FOUND GUILTY IN MORTGAGE SCHEME TO SELL CHURCH
A Detroit man has been found guilty in a $149,000 church mortgage scheme.
Wayne County authorities say a jury convicted 46-year-old Tracy Carmichael of embezzlement, forgery, money laundering and other charges on December 14, 2009. Sentencing is Jan. 5.
Authorities say Carmichael attempted to sell the Temple of God Deliverance church on Detroit's east side in 2007. The church pastor was alerted to the scheme when his congregation was served with eviction papers.
Defense attorney Allan Saroki says Carmichael claimed to have an agreement with the pastor to help obtain a loan on the property.
Carmichael was convicted in federal court in 2004 on 17 counts of aiding in the preparation of fraudulent income tax returns.
Wayne County authorities say a jury convicted 46-year-old Tracy Carmichael of embezzlement, forgery, money laundering and other charges on December 14, 2009. Sentencing is Jan. 5.
Authorities say Carmichael attempted to sell the Temple of God Deliverance church on Detroit's east side in 2007. The church pastor was alerted to the scheme when his congregation was served with eviction papers.
Defense attorney Allan Saroki says Carmichael claimed to have an agreement with the pastor to help obtain a loan on the property.
Carmichael was convicted in federal court in 2004 on 17 counts of aiding in the preparation of fraudulent income tax returns.
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