Lansing couple to stand trial for embezzlement

A Lansing couple will go to trial on multiple felony charges after embezzling from a local car dealership, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced Monday.  

Judge Cynthia Ward found there is enough probable cause to send charges against Amanda Root and Justin Root to Ingham County Circuit Court.

Amanda Root was employed at Glenn Buege Buick GMC in Lansing in accounts receivable and accounts payable. The Department of Attorney General alleges that Root embezzled more than $400,000 from the dealership between 2016 and 2019 and primarily used the money to gamble with her husband. Neither Ms. Root nor her husband claimed the additional income on their taxes.

The Michigan Department of Treasury and the Michigan State Police both collaborated with the Department of Attorney General in the investigation.

Amanda Root and Justin Root, have been charged with the following felonies in Ingham County’s 54-A District Court:

– Amanda Root

  • Two Counts of Embezzlement of $100,000 or more
  • One Count of Embezzlement $50,000 or more but less than $100,000
  • One Count of Embezzlement $20,000 or more but less than $50,000
  • Four counts of making/permitting a false tax return.

– Justin Root

  • Four counts making/permitting a false tax return.

"I appreciate the work done by our partners at the Department of Treasury and the Michigan State Police that resulted in these charges,” Nessel said. “We remain committed to protecting family-owned businesses and ensuring our tax laws are being properly followed.”