The former director of the Greater Ishpeming-Negaunee Chamber of Commerce has been charged with embezzling money.
Samantha LaJuenesse is charged in Marquette County District Court of embezzlement of $20,000 or more. This after an investigation by the Ishpeming Police Department last summer. The Chamber of Commerce office has been closed since June, when these financial issues were brought to light. No timetable has been announced for re-opening the office, nor for the GINCC to resume its operations and programs.
The GINCC, without naming LaJuenesse specifically, issued the following press release:
The Greater Ishpeming-Negaunee Area Chamber of Commerce (GINCC) experienced a financial breach to its bank account by an online entity, which resulted in funds being withdrawn from the organization’s account dedicated to organizational operations. Following the breach, the GINCC office was closed temporarily while the incident was reviewed. A formal investigation was conducted by the Ishpeming Police Department (IPD).
In conducting its investigation, the IPD identified a person of interest employed with the organization in the case. Arraignment is set for December 6. Additional details will not be released at this time pending legal proceedings.
“We appreciate the community’s support as we worked to clearly understand and respond to this challenging event,” said Board Secretary and organization spokesperson, Nate Heffron. “At this time, the GINCC leadership is working to support the investigation and outline next steps focusing on the future of the organization and the continuation of our mission. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Ishpeming Police Department for their swift response and efforts to investigate this matter.
“Financial breaches can happen at any time. We encourage community members, businesses and other organizations to frequently monitor their finances so they can quickly identify and respond to these type of events,” said Heffron.
A date for reopening is still pending.
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