Former A.D. Charged With Embezzlement

August 20, 2012 /
The Voice (Mich.), Courtney Flynn

http://www.voicenews.com/articles/2012/08/20/news/doc50325a1a59cd9526718253.txt?viewmode=fullstory

A former New Haven Public Schools employee has been charged with embezzlement after authorities say they have proof he took money from the district last year.

Macomb County Sheriff’s Department Capt. Elizabeth Darga said in October 2011 the New Haven Police Department handed over a case accusing former New Haven Athletic Director Antie Hardy, 50, of taking funds earned by the district from 50/50 raffles, gate entry fees and homecoming activities. However, due to insufficient evidence no charges were brought last fall.

Also, around the time the allegations were first made, Hardy, citing medical issues, stepped aside from his position as athletic director and former Marysville Public Schools athletic director and head football coach Jim Venia began serving as the interim athletic director.

Following the initial investigation, Darga said district officials brought forth additional information revealed through an internal audit. It showed Hardy had cashed two checks, collectively totaling about $1,900 and made out to the New Haven School District. Darga said the exact amount of money authorities suspect was taken during the fall of 2011 cannot be known since most of it was cash, but she suspects it was about $1,000.

According to court documents obtained by The Voice, the embezzlement is suspected of taking place from June 1, 2011 to Oct. 31, 2011.

Darga said once investigators were able to prove Hardy had cashed the two checks a warrant for embezzlement was authorized on July 17; he has since been charged with embezzlement of more than $1,000 but less than $20,000, a five-year felony. Hardy has been released on personal bond and is due in the 42-2 New Baltimore District Court on Aug. 27 for a preliminary exam.

When contacted, New Haven Superintendent Keith Wunderlich refused comment due to the ongoing investigation. However, he did reinforce that Hardy officially retired from his position as athletic director in June and that Venia has taken over the role permanently.
A message left for Hardy’s lawyer, Peter Mianecki, was not returned before press time.

New Haven Police Chief Michael Henry directed all questions to the Macomb County Sheriff’s Department. He said when the allegations were first brought to him he immediately contacted Sheriff Anthony Wickersham, requesting his detectives perform the investigation to avoid any possible biases due to past contacts with Hardy, who served as a coach at the school before taking over the AD post.


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