A 47-year-old woman is facing as much as 15 years in prison for embezzlement of Hubbard Lake South Shore Fire Department, according to a press release from the Michigan State Police Alpena Post.

In October MSP began an investigation after having been contacted by officials of the fire department, which is located in Alcona County. The board had received the resignation of 47-year-old Mary Katherine Largent as treasurer of the fire department, a volunteer position she held since 2000.

Since her resignation the fire department’s financials were reviewed and several inconsistencies with both credit card purchases and bank accounts were discovered. Once the discovery was made the board was notified, an attorney was contacted, and organization of the records began. Once the records were obtained and prepared they were then turned over to a CPA for review.

“While we have been advised by counsel not to speak to the specifics under investigation until the case has been legally resolved, we can assure the public that once financial irregularities were suspected, the South Shore Hubbard Lake Fire Department Board of Directors contacted authorities and took immediate and strong actions to strengthen financial controls and enhance board oversight of financial condition and activities,” Mark Palmer, a fire department trustee, stated in a press release.

The investigation has been completed and a one count felony warrant was issued for Largent by the Alcona County Prosecutor Tom Weichel on the charge of embezzlement in the amount of $50,000 or more, but less than $100,000. If convicted Largent could be sentenced to 15 years in prison and/or $25,000 fine or three times the amount embezzled, whichever is greater.

“The members of the board have worked closely with the state police and the prosecutor’s office to ensure complete transparency throughout the course of the investigation and will continue to do so until this situation is fully resolved,” Palmer said. “We wish to assure the public that the South Shore Hubbard Lake Fire Department is currently financially healthy and is working.