A retired Lake Linden DPW employee has been arraigned in Houghton County 97th District Court.
The Michigan state police Calumet post began an investigation into 71-year-old Ronald Schmitt of Lake Linden in November 2024 when concerns were raised by the Lake Linden Department of Public Works. Schmitt has been accused of stealing over 28,000 dollars in gasoline over 12 years. He allegedly retained a fuel key fob after his retirement in 2012 and continued to use the village’s equipment for personal use. The Michigan state police collaborated with the Lake Linden village police department during the investigation. Schmitt was caught attempting to fuel his truck using the key fob.
Due to the statute of limitations for theft, charges will reflect criminal activity from the past six years. Schmitt has been charged with one count for using a computer to commit a crime, larceny greater than 1,000 dollars, and one count for using a financial transaction device. He was given a 10,000-dollar bond and will appear in court again on February 3rd.
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