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Robert Wilson (at right) with his attorney, Timothy Hayes, during a hearing earlier this month.
Former police chief faces up to 6 months in jail for embezzlement.
#OceanaCountyNews #CourtNews
By Allison Scarbrough. Editor.
HART — Former Shelby Police Chief Robert Wilson, 62, pleaded guilty in 27th Circuit Court Friday, April 21, to embezzlement $20,000-$50,000 and now faces up to six months in jail.
The felony embezzlement case against the fired police chief was scheduled for trial this week. The trial will not take place in light of his conviction.
Wilson was facing six felony charges, one of which is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, due to performing fraudulent vehicle inspections.
The case is scheduled for sentencing and a restitution hearing, June 5, at 1:30 p.m. Witnesses will testify during the restitution hearing, according to court staff.
Wilson faced one count of embezzlement $50,000-$100,000, which is a 15-year felony, and five counts of motor vehicle code – false certification, each of which are punishable by up to five years in prison.
Michigan State Assistant Attorney General Oronde Patterson, who is handling the prosecution, offered the plea agreement of an added count of embezzlement $20,000-$50,000, which is a 10-year felony. His jail time will be capped at six months.
Wilson was fired by the Shelby Village Council with a 5-1 vote in January of 2016 following an internal investigation that revealed he had been doing salvage vehicle inspections without notifying the village and without paying the village the money from the inspections.
Whether Wilson serves his time in the Oceana County Jail or another county is up to the judge, said his attorney, Timothy Hayes.
Wilson is free on a $10,000/10 percent bond.
This story is copyrighted © 2017, all rights reserved by Media Group 31, LLC, PO Box 21, Scottville, MI 49454. No portion of this story or images may be reproduced in any way, including print or broadcast, without expressed written consent.
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