Michael Mitchell, 49, the former director of parks and grants for Plymouth Township, was charged by information with one count of theft from a local government receiving federal assistance.
According to officials, Mitchell allegedly stole property belonging to the township, including a commercial lawnmower, a John Deere Gator utility vehicle and other equipment, with a total value of about $10,000.
He faces up to 10 years imprisonment and a fine of $250,000.
“When public officials use their jobs to steal from taxpayers, their theft isn’t just measured in dollars - it is measured by the damage caused by robbing the public of honest government," said U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider. "We will stand up and fight this corruption at all levels."
This case is part of the government's wide-ranging corruption investigation centered in Macomb County.
