3 charged with embezzling from electric co-op

Wed, Jun 10, 2009

CHARLEVOIX (AP) — Three people have been charged with embezzling about $2 million from the Great Lakes Energy electric cooperative in Boyne City.

Robin Stewart, a former employee, was arraigned Tuesday in Charlevoix County District Court on 10 charges, including embezzlement. The Gaylord Herald Times reported he was fired in September 2008.

Stewart's wife, 44-year-old Shelley Stewart of Gaylord, was charged last Thursday with conspiracy and conducting a criminal enterprise.

Both were jailed on $1 million bail each.

Also arraigned Tuesday on nine counts was 66-year-old George Edwin Reed of Umatilla, Fla. He was held on $200,000 bail.

A preliminary hearing was scheduled for June 23.

Attorneys for Shelley Stewart and Reed declined comment. A message seeking comment was left with an attorney for Robin Stewart.