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Former Wayne County Employee Charged in Embezzlement and Larceny Scheme

Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged Kurt Thomas Eschmann, 34 (DOB: 06/12/1983), of Canton, in connection with an embezzlement and larceny scheme while he was employed as a Telecommunications Manager for the Wayne County Department of Technology. In this capacity, he was responsible for ordering electronic devices for Wayne County. His criminal activities were uncovered as the result of an independent performance audit conducted by the Wayne County Office of the Legislative Auditor General. Defendant Eschmann was employed with the County from April 1, 2013 through April 30, 2016, when he resigned. The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office conducted the investigation of this time-consuming and complex case.

It is alleged that from April 2014 through April 2016, the defendant ordered over 200 cell phones and Ipads under the County's communications contract and kept the devices for himself. He sold some of the devices on the internet and others were turned over to Sprint for credit on his personal cell phone bill. The retail value of the stolen devices was over $90,000.

Defendant Eschmann has been charged with one count each of the following charges: Embezzlement over $50,000 a 15 year felony; Using a Computer to Commit a Felony, a 10 year felony; and Larceny by Conversion $20,000 or more, a 10 year felony*.

Eschmann was arraigned this morning 10:30 a.m. at 36th District Court before Magistrate Jeffrey Kleparek in 36th District Court. The probable cause conference is scheduled for May 10, 2018 at 8:30 a.m.; the preliminary examination is scheduled for May 15, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. Both hearings are before Judge Kenneth King in 36th District Court. The defendant received a $10,000/10% bond.

*The charges are allegations and defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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