Police: Eaton Rapids woman embezzled thousands from Helping Hands

EAST LANSING - An Eaton Rapids woman is facing jail time for embezzling at least $1,000 from a nonprofit that assists disabled elderly people, according to charges. 

Janette Lauzon, 55, was an office administrator and bookkeeper at Helping Hands Respite Care in East Lansing.

Lauzon was charged with one count of embezzlement, alleging she stole between $1,000 and $20,000 from the nonprofit.

"We have a long history in the community and provide a valuable service," said Kevin Beard, the chair of the Helping Hands board of directors. "That's why this embezzlement is a very difficult pill to swallow."

The nonprofit provides relief for parents of children with disabilities or special needs or caregivers of elders. Its goal is to make sure the caregivers get time to themselves so they can maintain their health. 

Lauzon worked at Helping Hands from June 2016 to April 2018 and voluntarily left the nonprofit before the embezzlement investigation began, Beard said. 

The nonprofit's executive director discovered the missing money while reviewing payroll records, Beard said.

If convicted, Lauzon faces 10 years in prison, $15,000 restitution or three times the amount embezzled, whichever is greater. She could also be sentenced to both prison and restitution. 

Lauzon was arrested May 4 and charged July 9, according to court records. 

Contact Kara Berg at 517-377-1113 or kberg@lsj.com. Follow her on Twitter @karaberg95.