Former school treasurer charged with embezzlement

HIGHLAND PARK (AP) -- A former Highland Park charter school treasurer is charged with embezzlement after authorities say $25,000 recorded as being spent on textbooks was used to buy a home in Detroit. Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette's office says in a release that 37-year-old Shantell Bell was arrested last Friday and was expected to be arraigned in Highland Park District Court. Highland Park is a small enclave surrounded by Detroit. Authorities say a $25,000 check request was made in 2009 for textbooks at George Washington Carver Academy. The money later was paid to an Ohio title company. Bell's ex-boyfriend reported it to the school, which contacted Michigan State Police. Bell no longer works at the school. Defense attorney Karri Mitchell declined last Friday to comment on the case. Published: Tue, Mar 15, 2011