Lake City man could face up to 15 years in jail and large fine

CADILLAC — For the second time since 2004, a former employee of Cadillac Outdoor Power Equipment has been arrested for embezzlement.

Bradley Alan Ramer of Lake City was arraigned Wednesday in 84th District Court on one count of embezzlement of $50,000 or more but less than $100,000 for his alleged connection with incidents occurring between the dates of Jan. 1, 2005 and Nov. 7, 2006 at the Haring Township business.

Michigan State Police Det./Sgt. Jeff Herweyer has been involved with both investigations and he said there appears to be no connection between the two cases. “This is the second time I have investigated this business since 2004 for embezzlement. The first suspect was convicted back in 2004,” he said.

“They were both managers and this particular person, Mr. Ramer, was working during the time of the first suspect’s embezzlement investigation. He was a witness in that case.”

Ramer was fired from his position at the business in November 2006 when evidence of the embezzlement surfaced. The investigation dealt with business records recorded over a two year period starting in January 2005.

Despite being a witness in the first embezzlement case, Herweyer said Ramer allegedly started to embezzle himself.

“The dust was hardly settled and he started doing it himself. Now he has been caught and charged,” Herweyer said.

If convicted on the charge Ramer faces up to 15 years in jail and/or a $25,000 fine or three times the amount embezzled, whichever is greater.

Ramer was released on his own recognizance and his pretrial in 84th District Court is scheduled for 9 a.m. May 30.

rcharmoli@cadillacnews.com | 775-NEWS (6397)

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