7/24/13 - A local jury has convicted a Marion Township man in connection with an embezzlement scheme involving General Motors. Deliberations began this morning and the jury found Jeffrey Eastom guilty as charged of embezzling more than $100,000. Jurors were then polled and all affirmed the verdict. A motion made by prosecutors to revoke Eastomâs bond ahead of his sentencing August 29th was denied, although a separate request that he turn over his passport was granted. Eastom worked as a supervisor for Ideal Setech in Howell and was said to be the ring leader of the group involved in the scheme. The company housed property for General Motors at a time when it was closing plants. Prosecutors maintained that Eastom would manipulate inventory lists of machinery, tools and metal materials between March of 2008 and January of 2010, which were then sold for scrap. Four co-defendants were charged in the scheme; two of which have already been sentenced to jail time and ordered to pay restitution of $471,369. The other two defendants, Kevin Bowles and Joseph Shuler, reached plea deals with prosecutors and testified against Eastom during his trial. They face sentencing August 1st in Livingston County Circuit Court. (JM)
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