The amount was small, but a trust was violated when a North Oakland Transportation Authority (NOTA) driver allegedly stole some donations given by riders.
A 29-year-old Orion Township woman who drives for NOTA was charged with embezzlement under $200, a misdemeanor, after she admitted to stealing about $30 from a donation box over a three-month period, according to Oakland County Sheriff’s Det. Kevin McNally.
‘She’s been relieved of her duty,? said NOTA Director Pat Fitchena. ‘I feel very bad about it, I do. It’s not something I am real proud to hear.?
NOTA provides daily transportation to senior citizens, physically and mentally disabled individuals and welfare-to-work clients living in Oxford, Addison and Orion townships.
Although the service is free to those who qualify for it, some riders make voluntary donations to help offset NOTA’s costs.
A box for these monetary contributions is located inside each vehicle.
‘It’s not a tip jar for the driver,? McNally explained.
On Feb. 28, an eyewitness observed the woman allegedly taking a small amount of money from the donation box inside the NOTA vehicle she was driving.
When interviewed by McNally, the driver confessed to stealing about $30 between December and February.
Apparently, the driver felt that because she ‘goes out of her way a lot to help the seniors? and does ‘all the extras? for them, she could take a few bucks for ‘something to eat,? according to McNally.
The driver has not yet been arraigned in Rochester Hills 52-3 District Court.
If convicted, she could face up to 93 days in jail, plus be required to make restitution.
NOTA driver accused of stealing donations
The amount was small, but a trust was violated when a North Oakland Transportation Authority (NOTA) driver allegedly stole some donations given by riders.
A 29-year-old Orion Township woman who drives for NOTA was charged with embezzlement under $200, a misdemeanor, after she admitted to stealing about $30 from a donation box over a three-month period, according to Oakland County Sheriff’s Det. Kevin McNally.
‘She’s been relieved of her duty,? said NOTA Director Pat Fitchena. ‘I feel very bad about it, I do. It’s not something I am real proud to hear.?
NOTA provides daily transportation to senior citizens, physically and mentally disabled individuals and welfare-to-work clients living in Oxford, Addison and Orion townships.
Although the service is free to those who qualify for it, some riders make voluntary donations to help offset NOTA’s costs.
A box for these monetary contributions is located inside each vehicle.
‘It’s not a tip jar for the driver,? McNally explained.
On Feb. 28, an eyewitness observed the woman allegedly taking a small amount of money from the donation box inside the NOTA vehicle she was driving.
When interviewed by McNally, the driver confessed to stealing about $30 between December and February.
Apparently, the driver felt that because she ‘goes out of her way a lot to help the seniors? and does ‘all the extras? for them, she could take a few bucks for ‘something to eat,? according to McNally.
The driver has not yet been arraigned in Rochester Hills 52-3 District Court.
If convicted, she could face up to 93 days in jail, plus be required to make restitution.