Bearinger Twp. treasurer charged with two counts of embezzlement

A Cheboygan man who served Bearinger Township and the Ocqueoc/Bearinger fire board as treasurer has been charged with two counts of embezzling — public official $50 or more. He has a circuit court hearing in front of Judge Scott Pavlich Monday at 9 a.m. Gary Mack, 49, who was arraigned in 89th District Court last Thursday, resigned as treasurer of Bearinger Township in late March. Mack also stepped down from the fire board and as a member of the County Development Commission.

EACH FELONY charge carries with it a maximum of 10 years in prison, and/or a $5,000 fine. Mack allegedly took more than $7,000 — $6,000 from the fire board and $1,000 from the township — according to a township official. After Mack was asked to turn over the books, and phone calls left on Mack?s answering machine were not returned, the Presque Isle County Sheriff?s Department was asked to investigate the situation, which was handled by detective Steve Porter.

The warrant was authorized by prosecutor Don

McLennan April 15. According to court records, the funds were allegedly taken from the fire board between April 1999 and March 2003. Count two charges that Mack took funds from the township in December of 2002.

THE TOWNSHIP board appointed Nancy Mowers to fill Mack?s term as treasurer in Bearinger Township. Barb Harkleroad was elected as the new secretary/treasurer of the fire board. After Mack resigned from the CDC, the PI County Board of Commissioners appointed Jim Braidwood to fill the vacancy. Mack was booked at the Presque Isle County jail April 22. He is free on a $5,000 personal recognizance bond.

His preliminary examination was waived on April 29. Mack is being represented by Rogers City attorney Larry Farmer.