Deferral agreement reached in Wingate case

Montmorency County Commissioner Paul Wingate entered a deferral agreement with the 88th District Court Friday afternoon.

Wingate had been charged with embezzlement of a public official over $50 and faced up to 10 years in prison and/or a $5000 fine.

Under the agreement, Wingate is to not be in violation of any Michigan laws for the next year, pay $704.44 in restitution, and resign his position as county commissioner on or before Nov. 15.

"I met with Detective (Kevin) Day and in our discussions we felt that this agreement met the interest of justice," said Alcona Prosecutor Tom Weichel, who had been assigned as special prosecutor for the case.

Day, a detective for the Michigan State Police in Gaylord, oversaw the investigation and played a roll in the agreement's proposal.

"With Mr. Wingate's background and the amount of money involved, incarceration pretty much went out the window." Weichel said. "As long as he adheres to the stipulations of the deferral agreement, the charges will not be brought back up."

Along with Wingate's resignation, he will lose his privilege to hold a public office and will have no access to public funds for one year.

"Whenever a public official is charged in a criminal case and it results in an arrest, court appearances and restitution, the impact is still present," Weichel said. "It goes beyond embarrassment."

Wingate has paid his restitution in full and must yield his position by Nov. 15.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached via e-mail at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com or by phone at 358-5689.