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August 26, 2005Prosecutor says East Bay probe may widenFinal audit report due soonByRecord-Eagle staff writer TRAVERSE CITY - Authorities could be expanding a criminal probe into East Bay Township finances. Township clerk Janice Gee awaits trial on multiple felony embezzlement charges, and Grand Traverse County's prosecutor said sheriff's investigators and auditors continue to leaf through documents in search of other possible crimes and suspects. "There is some information about some other people, but it hasn't been put into the proper order and there may be more information forthcoming," county prosecutor Alan Schneider said. "I don't want to piecemeal this thing. There's an orderly way of doing these things and none of these people are going anywhere." In June, Schneider charged Gee, 59, with seven felony counts of embezzlement for manipulating payroll records over a two-year period. "At the time we filed against Gee I was not aware there would be further investigation," Schneider said. "There was no point in delaying at that time." Since then, forensic auditors hired by the township delved deeper into township books and allegedly uncovered more questionable financial activity. A forensic auditor who testified at Gee's recent preliminary examination said a second audit will show Gee embezzled more than the $19,000 for which she originally was charged. In addition, the Record-Eagle reported Aug. 21 that the state treasury department in 2002 notified the township that some officials, including ex-supervisor Joseph Bartko and Gee, improperly used township funds for personal purchases. The final audit report will be delivered to the township's attorneys in the next few days. "It doesn't make sense to rush into this when down the road you'll have additional information coming forward," Schneider said. See Related Stories: Former East Bay supervisor likely purchased personal items - August 21, 2005 East Bay Township clerk is back to work - August 21, 2005 More money may be missing in East Bay - August 16, 2005 Lile suggests shutting down East Bay government to fix mess - July 22, 2005 East Bay Township supervisor expects 'real ugly' meeting - July 22, 2005 East Bay assessor to be paid as fate is determined - July 12, 2005 Errors pile up in review of East Bay records - July 10, 2005 Public backs East Bay probe leading to arrest of clerk - June 28, 2005 East Bay Township clerk charged with embezzlement felonies - June 23, 2005 Township officials pushed for audit leading to Gee's arrest - June 23, 2005
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