ALPENA — The Alpena man charged with embezzling funds during his tenure as treasurer of the Alpena County Fair Board pleaded guilty in the 26th Circuit Court on Monday.

Through defense attorney Dan White, Bradley Avery pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement of more than $1,000 and less than $20,000 from a nonprofit. Five other charges were dismissed as part of a plea deal with prosecutors.

All parties agreed to a sum to be paid in restitution before the date of sentencing, scheduled for June 17. The prosecution may set aside the plea deal if full restitution is not made by the sentencing date.

Avery will pay $16,642 to the Alpena Agricultural Society, plus $13,520 for accountant bills, for a total restitution of about $30,000.

The amount to be repaid was in question for some time as attorneys worked to reach an agreement about the exact amount that had been embezzled.

Avery could receive a sentence of up to 10 years’ incarceration and/or a $15,000 fine.

Avery was arrested on Aug. 31 at his home after the Alpena County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint of embezzlement from the Alpena County Fair Board on Feb. 8, 2018.

According to the felony complaint against Avery, he embezzled funds from the Future Farmers of America and the Alpena Agricultural Society while he was the Fair Board treasurer. Police said Avery embezzled money over a span of three years.

Avery was arrested on six counts: one count of embezzlement of $20,000 or more but less than $50,000, two counts of embezzlement of $1,000 or more but less than $20,000 from a nonprofit or charitable organization, and three counts of using a financial transaction device illegally.

Julie Riddle can be reached at 989-358-5693 or jriddle@thealpenanews.com.