Man admits he embezzled over $17,000 from Grand Rental Station

Angelo Mendez with his attorney, Mark Otto.

By Allison Scarbrough. Contributing Editor.

LUDINGTON — A 39-year-old Hamlin Township man testified in 51st Circuit Court Tuesday, Dec. 8, that he embezzled over $17,000 from Grand Rental Station, where he worked.

Angelo Barrera Mendez, of 6509 W. Decker Rd., was arrested Oct. 8 by the Hart post of the Michigan State Police. Mendez initially faced felonies of larceny by conversion $1,000-$20,000 and stealing/retaining a financial transaction device without consent, but those counts were dismissed in a plea agreement when he pleaded guilty to embezzlement $1,000-$20,000. The plea agreement calls for serving six months up front of a one-year jail sentence and paying restitution totaling $17,207.

Mendez testified Monday that he converted equipment, the company credit card and customer payments to his own use while working at the Pere Marquette Township store.

Sentencing is scheduled for Jan 19 at 3:30 p.m.