Embezzlement charges against Three Rivers teacher

A charge of felony embezzlement has been leveled against Three Rivers High School teacher Sara Freeman following her initial court appearance Monday.

District Court Judge Jeff Middleton handled the preliminaries of the case, which involves the alleged embezzlement of more than $20,000.

Freeman, 33, is a language arts teacher at the school. But in her additional capacity as yearbook advisor, she is suspected of allegedly keeping checks and cash payments intended for advertisements in the school’s annual publication. The alleged embezzlement occurred over a two-year period starting in November 2012, according to investigators.

Television station WWMT has reported that only $4,700 of about $21,000 has been allegedly deposited over that period. Furthermore, the company with which the school has its yearbook contract claims it is owed more than $31,000, according to WWMT.

Freeman, a Burr Oak High School alumna, is being represented by Grand Rapids attorney Fil Iorio. A statement he issued says in part that evidence will show Freeman committed no crime and he urged the public to not rush to judgment on the case.

Freeman’s next court date is April 7.