Sherman Township official pleads not guilty to embezzlement charge

A Sherman Township official has pleaded not guilty to a charge of embezzlement of more than $1,000 but less than $20,000 from a charitable organization.
Bruce Bart, 49, appeared Tuesday before St. Joseph County District Court Judge Jeff Middleton for arraignment after a notice to appear was issued by prosecutor John McDonough.
According to court officials, Bart is accused of embezzling money from the Sturgis Eagles in 2014.
His attorney, T.J. Reed, said Bart is maintaining his innocence and he holds high regard for the civic group. Reed said he is in the midst of reviewing a police report on the matter.
Dates of a preliminary conference have not been set.