CLYDE TOWNSHIP, Mich. — An assistant fire chief resigned after being charged with embezzling over $60,000 from a union.
Chad Shappee, 45, was charged with three felonies, reported the Times Herald.
“I was pretty shocked. I know him well. His performance on the fire department has always been outstanding, never had any knowledge of this,” Fire Chief Gary May said.
Although Shappee was not involved with the finances of the department, he was the backhoe operator and treasurer of a union that represents Port Huron’s utilities workers since 2006. Shappee resigned following his arraignment Thursday, and was charged with one count of embezzlement and two counts of uttering and publishing; each holds a 15-year felony.
“They had shown me that there were unauthorized withdrawals of substantial amounts,” Utility Workers Union of America senior national representative Jim Harrison said.
Shappee was released on a $100,000 bond and was not taken into custody.
“The membership is extremely upset and rightfully so, this is a rare occurrence, and we’re working very diligently to get them back on their feet as soon as possible,” Harrison said.
A preliminary examination of Shappee’s case will be held later this month.