Sturgis woman enters plea in embezzlement case

An embezzlement case involving a Sturgis woman and Sturgis Youth Soccer Organization advanced a step earlier this month.
Tammy Cain recently entered a no-contest plea on charges of attempted larceny in a building in a proceeding that took place in St. Joseph County Circuit Court.
As part of the plea agreement, Cain agreed to pay the organization $20,000 in restitution.
St. Joseph County Prosecutor John McDonough said if Cain pays $15,000 by her sentencing date in February, he will recommend no up-front jail time be ordered and probation will be established instead.
Cain previously was arraigned on one count of embezzlement over $20,000, but less than $50,000.
According to an affidavit of probable cause in late March, officials from SYSO made the embezzlement complaint. Cain is a former board member of SYSO.
The affidavit showed that in January 2013, Cain wrote a check from SYSO for more than $1,300 to a local business for personal items. In November 2013, she withdrew $3,800 and $4,300 a month later, according to court officials.
In all, there are 20 instances totaling more than $32,000 in which Cain used SYSO money for personal use, authorities said.