People v. Patricia Jones

The people appeal by leave granted from a circuit court opinion and order ruling that a demand and a failure, neglect or refusal to account for funds entrusted to a public official are essential elements of the offense of embezzlement by a public official, MCL 750.175; MSA 28.372. We reverse.

Defendant was an elected member of the Muskegon Heights City Council. On March 11, 1988, the city gave her a check for $689.50 to cover expenses for attending an upcoming conference. According to the evidence presented at the preliminary examination on June 13, 1988, defendant cashed the check, used the…