Priest near Lansing on leave amid embezzlement probe
OKEMOS, Mich. (AP) — Another Roman Catholic church in Michigan is dealing with an embezzlement investigation.
Officials say the pastor of St. Martha Church in Okemos, near Lansing, has been placed on leave. The Rev. Jonathan Wehrle (WUR'-lee) already planned to retire at the end of June.
The Catholic Diocese of Lansing said Wednesday that auditors uncovered a "possible significant embezzlement" at St. Martha. Meanwhile, in St. Joseph County in southwestern Michigan, the Rev. Richard Fritz is charged with stealing more than $100,000. He liked to buy lottery tickets.
The Rev. David Fisher is charged with embezzlement from St. Joseph Church in Owosso in Shiawassee County. Diocese officials say $450,000 is missing.
In 2015, the Rev. Ed Belczak was sentenced to 27 months in prison for stealing more than $500,000 from a Detroit-area church.
Communications specialist joins Detroit Mercy Law
University of Detroit Mercy School of Law announced this week the addition of Amanda Vanover to the Alumni Relations Department. Vanover will serve as the School of Law’s Communications Specialist, a newly-created position. In this role, she will create a comprehensive communications plan for the school. This will include social media and web strategy, as well as media relations. Vanover will also serve as editor of the school’s alumni magazine, the Docket, and will debut an e-newsletter for alumni and the Detroit Mercy Law community.
A native of Grosse Pointe Park, Vanover previously managed the direct marketing program for Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law in Chicago. She holds a BA in Anthropology from DePaul University and a certification in Museum Studies from Northwestern. Her husband, Jude Vanover, earned his JD from Detroit Mercy Law in 2012, and he is a director in PwC’s Forensic Services practice. He specializes in cybercrime investigations, eDiscovery, and litigation support.
15th annual Pam Posthumus auction to prevent child abuse
Supporters of preventing child abuse can give to a good cause while bidding on Michigan-made items, sports and concert tickets and travel packages. Tickets are available for the annual Children’s Trust Fund Pam Posthumus Signature Auction Event scheduled for May 17 at the Lansing Center. Anyone who can’t attend can still bid on silent auction items online – as can attendees using tablets that are available at the event.
A VIP Reception begins at 4:30 p.m., with the silent auction following at 5 p.m.
Bidding on silent auction items is available via smartphone or any other electronic device using mobile bidding. Sponsored this year by Verizon Wireless, mobile bidding allows anyone to place a silent bid from wherever they are – even if they can’t make it to the state’s capital.
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