Feds Charge Former Stevensville Village Manager

GRAND RAPIDS, MI—Todd Allen Gardner, the former Village Manager and Treasurer of the Village of Stevensville, was indicted by a federal grand jury for wire fraud, U.S. Attorney Donald A. Davis announced today.

The indictment alleges that Gardner, as Village Manager and/or Treasurer, had primary authority over Village bank accounts to pay for Village expenses and to purchase goods for the Village. However, the indictment alleges, from April 1, 2006 to May 31, 2009, Gardner “abused that authority by misappropriating approximately $293,140.91 of Village of Stevensville funds for his own use and benefit.” The indictment alleges a scheme in which Gardner wired funds for his own use out of bank accounts designated for “public works,” “major streets," a “building fund,” "construction administration,” and the “Downtown Development Authority.” Gardner faces up to 20 years in prison on the charge. The indictment also sets forth a forfeiture allegation whereby the government seeks return of the proceeds and, if the proceeds cannot be recovered, substitute proceeds or property.

The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, St. Joseph office, and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew G. Borgula. The charges in an indictment are only allegations of criminal conduct, and the defendant is presumed innocent until their guilt is established in court by proof beyond a reasonable doubt.