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November 29, 2005Bartko hears felony countsEx-supervisor arraigned in financial scandal
Bartko
But a closer look revealed the former East Bay Township supervisor also in chains, awaiting arraignment on four felony counts for his alleged role in a festering financial scandal that rocked township hall in recent months. Bartko, 74, stood mute Monday as he was arraigned on four felony counts of common law official misconduct in office. Each count carries a possible penalty of up to five years in prison. His attorney, Joseph Fisher, said Bartko is holding up well after being booked and processed at the jail. "But as you can see it's not a pleasant experience to sit in the rack wearing irons when you've led a life of public service," Fisher said. Township Clerk Janice Gee, who faces 14 felony counts for embezzlement and misconduct in office, watched the proceedings through a window from outside the courtroom. Five months ago it was Gee, 59, who stood before the judge in chains at her arraignment. Bartko who worked with Gee at the township from 1992 through 2004, has been a strong supporter of Gee. The charges occurred after multiple audits of township financial records uncovered myriad problems with missing money, alleged double-dipping, improper spending and other problems. Township Treasurer Debora Watson was also supposed to be arraigned Monday but she turned herself in Nov. 23. Watson, 45, was arraigned on a one-year misdemeanor for alleged "willful" neglect of duty as township treasurer to "take charge of money belonging to East Bay Township." Authorities accuse Bartko of using township credit cards to make personal purchases, allowing township funds to be used for personal benefit; allowing expenditures without authorization; allowing East Bay to be party to an unlawful credit card arrangement; and causing the township to "unlawfully incur debt," according to the complaint. "So far I'm not impressed," Fisher said of the charges. He said almost $100,000 has been spent by the township on the audits and attorney fees. "If this is it," he said, holding a police file and credit card bills from the township, "it will be an expensive breakfast at Ruby Tuesday's." Bartko's credit card bill had several meals at Ruby Tuesday's, including one for a New Year's Day. "It's clearly not an illegal activity," Fisher said. Grand Traverse County Prosecutor Alan Schneider shrugged his shoulders and chuckled when told of Fisher's comments. "The only thing that's important is how the judge and later the jury looks at it," he said. Trial dates have not been set. See Related Stories: Two more face charges in financial scandal - November 23, 2005 Breaking News: Ex-supervisor, current treasurer charged - November 22, 2005 Records show township paid planner from U.P. - November 13, 2005 Signature goal reached for recalls - November 9, 2005 East Bay Township probe widens - October 27, 2005 Bid for state's assistance in removing Gee falls short - October 12, 2005 East Bay recall petition drive thriving - October 11, 2005 Gee trial delayed as prosecution continues to build case - October 1, 2005 Audit: East Bay Township clerk took $62K - September 28, 2005 Residents demand answers from East Bay board - September 16, 2005 Audit may result in more charges - September 14, 2005 East Bay residents to circulate petitions - September 3, 2005 East Bay finances: 'Little stuff' totals thousands - August 28, 2005 Prosecutor says East Bay probe may widen - August 26, 2005 Former 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 - 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 - June 23, 2005 Township officials pushed for audit leading to Gee's arrest - June 23, 2005
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