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Parking embezzlement under ELPD investigation

October 22, 2019
<p> A person pays for their parking bill at the City of East Lansing parking garage near 181 Division Street on June 30th, 2015. Joshua Abraham/ The State News</p>

A person pays for their parking bill at the City of East Lansing parking garage near 181 Division Street on June 30th, 2015. Joshua Abraham/ The State News

Photo by Joshua Abraham | The State News

The East Lansing Police Department is investigating an embezzlement report within the city's parking department. The report was made on Oct. 9 at 198 Albert Ave.

"There has been a suspect identified," ELPD Deputy Chief Steve Gonzalez said. "Our detectives are working it to put the case together so that we can present something to the prosecutor's office."

Gonzalez said the investigation centers around the East Lansing Parking Division, not to be confused with the Parking and Code Enforcement, or P.A.C.E.

The Parking Division manages and maintains the city's parking garages, surface lots and on-street meters.

The investigation is expected to stay open for two to four weeks before it can be presented to the Ingham County Prosecutor's office, Gonzalez said.

He said because the city does not have an ordinance against embezzlement, any charges that ensue will be state charges.

Gonzalez said this is an ongoing investigation and could not provide further details.

ELPD released a statement at about 10:15 a.m., Oct. 22.

“We are currently working an embezzlement and larceny case involving a former City of East Lansing employee. The suspect is no longer an employee of the City. Upon becoming aware of the alleged crime, all information was turned over to the East Lansing Police Department. The investigation is ongoing at this time. After the conclusion of the investigation, the police will present its findings to the Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office as part of a complaint and warrant request. Additional information will be released after arraignment and in conjunction with the Ingham County Prosecutor’s Office so as not to jeopardize a criminal prosecution.”

This is a developing story. In our reporting, we'll focus on credible information from officials and other authorities and do our best to correct any inaccuracies. We'll continue to update this story, check back for more updates and keep up with us on Twitter @thesnews.

This story was updated at 10:30 a.m. to include the City of East Lansing's official response.

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