Former Scottville clerk’s embezzlement case adjourned to Sept. 30

Lester

By Rob Alway, Editor-in-Chief

LUDINGTON — A probable cause conference for former Scottville City Clerk Kelse Rae Lester, who is charged with embezzling $100,000 or more from the city, was adjourned Wednesday in 79th District Court at the request of her attorney, Tracie McCarn-Dinehart.

Mason County Prosecuting Attorney Beth Hand said McCarn-Dinehart requested additional time to review discovery and seek additional materials from the prosecution.

“The matter was adjourned at the defendant’s attorney’s request to review discovery and request production of additional materials,” Hand said. “The attorney is supposed to email me what documents she is seeking.”

The probable cause conference has been rescheduled for 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30.

Hand said Lester will either waive her right to a preliminary examination at that hearing or request that a preliminary examination be scheduled.

If a preliminary examination is held, the prosecution will be required to establish probable cause that the charged crimes were committed and that Lester committed them before the case can proceed to Mason County’s 51st Circuit Court for trial.

Lester was arraigned Aug. 24 on felony charges of embezzlement of $100,000 or more, using a computer to commit a crime and misconduct in office. She was released on a $5,000 personal recognizance bond.

The charges allege Lester embezzled money from the city while serving as city clerk and used her position to conceal the alleged theft. The specific amount allegedly taken and the period during which the alleged embezzlement occurred have not yet been disclosed in open court.

Court records list Feb. 1, 2022, as the offense date for each of the three charges. Michigan State Police Trooper Matthew Demny of the MSP Hart post is the investigating officer.

Lester served as Scottville’s appointed city clerk from 2019 until her resignation in 2025.

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