Woman who embezzled $13K from East Lansing nonprofit may avoid jail time
LANSING — An Eaton Rapids woman may only have to pay restitution after embezzling thousands of dollars from a nonprofit that assists disabled elderly people.
Janette Lauzon, 56, pleaded guilty to one count of embezzlement on Thursday.
Under the plea agreement, Lauzon will serve no upfront jail time in exchange for her plea. She will have to pay $13,200 in restitution. Prosecutors will be requesting that Lauzon be ordered to serve five years probation at her sentencing in November.
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Lauzon worked as an office administrator and bookkeeper at Helping Hands Respite Care in East Lansing. The nonprofit provides relief for parents of children with special needs and caregivers of elderly people. Its goal is to make sure caregivers get time to themselves so they can maintain their health.
The nonprofit's executive director discovered the missing money during a review of payroll records, Kevin Beard, the chair of the Helping Hands board of director, said in July.
"We have a long history in the community and provide a valuable service," Beard said. "That's why this embezzlement is a very difficult pill to swallow."
Contact Kara Berg at 517-377-1113 or kberg@lsj.com. Follow her on Twitter @karaberg95.