STANDISH -- Three people are behind bars after allegedly embezzling money from a group of disabled people. The Michigan State Police and the Michigan Department of Treasury report $300,000.00 had been taken from the Arenac County Guardian's Office since 1999.
A forensic audit on client's files assigned to the Guardian's office was conducted. The County Guardian is responsible for paying expenses and maintaining financial matters for their clients who were either deemed mentally or physically unable to do so own their own. An appointment of guardian, conservator, or payee for a person by the Arenac County Probate Judge is ordered and assigned to the public guardian. The Guardian's office has been assigned over 80 clients.
Michigan State Police turned their investigation over to Ogemaw County Prosecutor, LaDonna A. Schultz. Schultz was appointed as special prosecutor by the State Attorney General. At that time it was then announced that three persons have been charged by criminal compliant.
Sherilyn Jones of Linwood, MI is one of three people facing criminal complaints. Ms. Jones has been charged with one count of criminal enterprise; two counts of embezzlement by a public official; and one count of embezzlement from vulnerable adults over $20,000.00 or more; and one count of conspiring to embezzle over $200.00 but less then $1000.00. Jones was appointed the Arenac County Guardian in 1999 and was dismissed from her position on August 18, 2009.
Robert Joseph Romps was appointed her successor who also faces one count of embezzlement by a public official.
And former employee Sally Lebeau was charged with conspiring to embezzle over $200.00 but less than $1000.00 If convicted she will face up to 1 year in jail and or a fine of $2,000.00 or 3 times the amount embezzled, whichever is greater.
All 3 charged persons have been arrested on the charges. All cases have been assigned to District Judge, Allen C. Yenior. This complaint contains only charges and is not proof of the defendant's guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial in which it is the state's burden to prove his or her guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
