LANSING, Mich. — A former employee of the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy pleaded guilty to embezzling from the state, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced on Wednesday.
Joseph Pettit pleaded guilty to two counts of embezzlement over $100,000 and one count of uttering and publishing, all felonies.
“This plea brings us one step closer to securing accountability in this case, and therefore, justice for the people of Michigan,” Nessel said in a statement. “State employees serve the many operations that keep Michigan running for our millions of residents. Abusing that responsibility will not be tolerated by my office.”
According Nessel’s office, Pettit created fake vendors and diverted bonds to bank accounts that he created. Administrators at his department became aware of the discrepancies in September 2020 and Michigan State Police conducted the investigation.
Pettit will also be responsible for paying full restitution, a total of $855,690.
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