Crime & Safety

Woman Suspected of Embezzling Enters 'Not Guilty' Plea

A 37-year-old Ferndale woman was arraigned on charges of embezzling between $1,000 and $20,000 from her employer, Metro Parent Publishing. Her next court date will be Aug. 11.

Ferndale resident Tracy Connelly, 37, pleaded not guilty on Thursday afternoon during her arraignment in 43rd District Court on charges of embezzling between $1,000 and $20,000 from her employer, Metro Parent Publishing.

According to Ferndale Detective Brendan Moore, Connelly, who worked as the office manager of , 22041 Woodward Ave., is suspected of taking three computers, a monitor, and some ink cartridges totalling about $2,400 to $2,500.

Moore added that Connelly was authorized to make purchases on the company credit card. Moore said she had used the purchasing card to make personal purchases of gift cards. "The exact amount of money is not known at this point," Moore said.

Find out what's happening in Ferndalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

He said the charge is above $1,000 and below $20,000.

Connelly's attorney, Robert Starkman, told Ferndale Magistrate James Brennan that she would enter a plea of not guilty.

Find out what's happening in Ferndalewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Connelly will appear in court for her preliminary exam at 1 p.m. on Aug. 11. 

.

Moore recommended that her bond be set as a $10,000 cash surety bond. However, pretrial services said that because Connelly has no previous convictions, she isn't a flight risk and recommended a $5,000 personal bond.

Brennan agreed and set the bond at $5,000. If Connelly doesn't show on Aug. 11, Connelly owes Ferndale $5,000.

A charge of embezzling between $1,000 and $20,000 is a five-year felony.

Brennan added that Connelly has been instructed to have no contact with Metro Parent Publishing.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.