The Michigan State Police, working closely with Port Huron Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit, investigated an embezzlement complaint involving a local charity. According to Port Huron Police Captain Marcy Kuehn, the investigation revealed that an accountant for the Blue Water Center for Independent Living is responsible for embezzling over a million dollars during his employment. Investigations found the suspect had a prior embezzlement conviction from the year 2000, having embezzled more than $3 million from a Detroit-area auto supplier over the course of six years. A search warrant on the suspect’s home in Okemos, MI on March 29 led to the arrest of the suspect, whereupon he admitted his involvement. 71-year-old Richard Laurence Hartwick was arraigned on six felony charges. Bond was set at $1 million and a probable cause hearing is scheduled for April 9, with a preliminary exam set for April 16 in front of the Honorable Judge Cynthia Platzer. If you have any knowledge that would assist investigations, please call Port Huron’s MCU at 810-984-5383.
