Former Unionville Fire Chief Charged with Embezzlement

News Summary

Nicholas Sakon, former fire chief of Unionville, Michigan, is charged with embezzling over $5,000 from the Unionville Fire Department’s nonprofit account. Following an investigation by the Michigan State Police, Sakon misused funds starting in May 2023, leading to a formal inquiry when discrepancies were detected in December 2024. If convicted, he faces up to 10 years in prison. The case has raised concerns about financial oversight within community organizations, as residents call for improved accountability and transparency.

Unionville, Michigan – Former Fire Chief Charged with Embezzlement

Nicholas Sakon, a 35-year-old former fire chief from Unionville, Michigan, has been charged with embezzling over $5,000 from the nonprofit account of the Unionville Fire Department. The embezzlement charge is classified as a felony, involving funds between $1,000 and $20,000 from a nonprofit or charitable organization. He was arraigned on May 22 in the Tuscola County District Court.

Details of the Allegations

An investigation conducted by the Michigan State Police (MSP) revealed that Sakon misused funds from the fire department’s 501(c) account for personal purchases starting in May 2023. The fire department became aware of the missing funds in December 2024, prompting a formal investigation into the financial discrepancies.

Potential Consequences

If found guilty of the embezzlement charge, Sakon could face a maximum sentence of up to 10 years in prison and/or a fine of $15,000. Additionally, the charge carries a potential penalty of three times the amount embezzled or whichever is greater, which increases the stakes significantly for the former fire chief.

Background on Nicholas Sakon

Sakon served the Unionville Fire Department for a total of 18 years, ten of which he spent in the leadership position of fire chief. His long tenure with the department raised expectations of accountability and ethical conduct, which makes these allegations all the more alarming to the community.

The investigation’s findings have sent shockwaves through the local community, as residents grapple with the breach of trust by an individual who once held such a respected position. The leadership of the Unionville Fire Department has expressed their commitment to transparency and accountability, assuring the community that measures will be put in place to prevent future financial misconduct.

Community Impact

The embezzlement allegations have raised concerns among residents about the management of local nonprofit entities and the importance of maintaining oversight in financial matters. Many in the community are questioning how such financial mismanagement could occur within an organization dedicated to public service and safety.

As the legal proceedings continue, the Unionville Fire Department is also likely to assess its internal financial controls and policies to ensure that similar incidents do not occur in the future. The incident may prompt officials to seek increased training and resources for managing nonprofit funds, thus reinforcing the integrity of their operations.

Next Steps

Sakon’s next court appearance is pending, where he will face the charges and present his defense. The community awaits further developments in this case, as residents hope for a resolution that restores faith in their local institutions.

This case underscores the critical importance of ethical conduct and financial accountability in public service organizations, as well as the lasting impact that such breaches can have on community trust. The outcome of this legal situation will likely influence how local nonprofits are managed in the future and serve as a cautionary tale about the importance of vigilance in financial oversight.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• WNEM: Former Unionville Fire Chief Charged with Embezzlement
• ABC12: Former Unionville Fire Chief Accused of Embezzling $5,000
• Michigan’s Thumb: Unionville Fire Chief Embezzlement
• MLive: Former Michigan Fire Chief Accused of Embezzlement
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Embezzlement