Embezzlement charges issued

A warrant was issued Wednesday for the former executive assistant of the Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce.

The action comes a day after the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s Office authorized a charge of embezzlement against Deb Herring, 57, of Schoolcraft.

Investigators said Herring allegedly stole between $20,000 and $50,000 over a seven-year period starting in 2007. She was dismissed earlier this year after the alleged improprieties were discovered.

It was not clear Wednesday if the warrant will be hand delivered to Herring or if she will be sent via certified mail a notice to appear in order to satisfy the warrant.

Chamber director Christy Trammell declined to comment on the matter.

Chamber members, however, were emailed a two-paragraph letter Tuesday. It was signed, “from the Three Rivers Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and President & CEO.”

In part, the letter stated the chamber had been compromised and trust was violated by a former employee.