A township treasurer accused of misusing public funds is scheduled to make his first court appearance next week.
Merle Leroy Beeman, age 77, is facing five felony charges related to the theft of more than $25,000 in government funds over the course of about four years. Beeman has served as Salem Township treasurer since January 2013.
Beeman is accused of writing multiple checks for personal use and misrepresenting the purpose of the money, according to Allen County Attorney Jerry Hathaway and court records. An audit by the county revealed accounting discrepancies, followed by an investigation by law enforcement.
Beeman was charged with official misconduct, permitting a false claim, misuse of public funds, theft by deception and making false information. The charges cover a period between Feb. 14, 2014, to Sept. 4, 2018, and were filed Nov. 13.
A first court appearance is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 12, in Allen County District Court.
