MONTMORENCY COUNTY — Montmorency County District 5 Commissioner Paul Wingate, Hillman, was arrested Tuesday, July 8, and charged with embezzlement by a public official over $50.

    The Michigan State Police handled the arrest.

    According to Alcona County Prosecutor Thomas Weichel, special prosecutor assigned to the case, the charges stem from monetary reimbursement for falsified per diems/mileage vouchers over $50.

    The charges carry a 10-year penalty or $5,000 fine.

    Weichel is handling the case to avoid issues with conflict of interest.

    Montmorency County Coordinator Bob Goodall reported Wingate is still acting on the board and he was at the Wednesday, July 9, commissioners meeting.

    “He is a sitting commissioner,” said Goodall.

    Goodall added the issue has to go through judicial proceedings before any changes are made to the board.

    “At the close of that proceeding — if there are findings — then we’ll have a look at it at that time,” he said.

    An arraignment in Montmorency County District Court is set for Friday, 8:30 a.m.

    A call to Wingate was not answered by press time Tuesday.

    Contact Jil Schult at 748-4518 or jil@gaylordheraldtimes.com.

• Visitor Comments

No comments posted.