Full Notification

NEWS MEDIA INFORMATION REPORT


SUBJECT OF RELEASE: Embezzlement from two area Townships

DATE AND TIME: 2012 to November 2017

LOCATION: Evergreen Township and Day Township, Montcalm County

AUTHORITY/CONTACT PERSON: Sheriff Michael J. Williams

Montcalm County Sheriff’s Office conducted an ongoing investigation regarding embezzlement from Evergreen and Day Township after a complaint was filed regarding financial record inconsistencies. It was determined that the embezzlement occurred between 2012 and 2017. The investigation led to the arrest of a 60 year old Fenwick woman.

The investigation revealed that Donna Mae Goodsell was employed by both townships to be the sexton of their cemeteries. Goodsell’s duties included the sale of plots, maintenance, opening and closing of graves sites, and contracting for the setting of headstone footings. Goodsell allegedly did not properly forwarding all of the funds she received from residents to the respective Townships.

On November 30, 2017, Goodsell turned herself in to the Sheriff’s Office and was arrested on two felony warrants. Goodsell is charged with one count of embezzlement from each of the townships and is currently out on bond. The maximum sentence for each charge is 5 years in prison.

"Thankfully, there is no evidence that individual citizens were overcharged. While the township governments did not receive the payments, no individuals appear to be victims," said Sheriff Williams.

Goodsell’s next court date is December 8th, 2017.