Ex-Court Official Charged in $100K Embezzlement

Rachel Celeste Lindley, former Van Buren County Specialty Court Administrator in Michigan, has been charged with embezzling over $100,000 from various grants during her tenure. Following a Michigan State Police investigation, Lindley, who now lives in Maryland, was arraigned on August 5 and released on bond. She faces two felony charges: embezzlement over $100,000, carrying up to 20 years in prison, and embezzlement by a public official, punishable by up to 10 years. Authorities allege the theft took place before Lindley left her role and moved out of state. A preliminary examination is scheduled for August 18 to determine if the case will proceed to trial, with an outside judge assigned to oversee the proceedings. If convicted, Lindley could also be subject to substantial fines.