Embezzlement case at credit union moving ahead

CLARKSTON (AP) - A former credit union official accused of embezzling millions of dollars in Clarkston has waived a key hearing, moving his case to trial court.

Michael LaJoice was chief financial officer at Clarkston Brandon Community Credit Union. The Oakland County sheriff's office says he stepped forward in January and said he stole $20 million over 12 years.

The Detroit Free Press says LaJoice waived a hearing Tuesday that would have required prosecutors to show some evidence against him. He's been found competent to understand the charges and assist his lawyer.

LaJoice owned a dance studio in Fenton and put millions of dollars into his home. His lifestyle didn't appear to match his $65,000-a-year salary. He's being held in the Oakland County jail on $1 million bond.

Published: Thu, Mar 24, 2016