GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The man accused of embezzling more than a million dollars from a local chapter of the Shriners had been serving as its secretary.
Richard Williams faces six counts of embezzlement. Now court records are shedding new light on the allegations.
One of the chapter's members reported the allegations to police on October 20, 2024. Detectives told the court they found evidence showing Williams wrote checks to himself and wired money to his LLC.
All told, at least $1.395 million dollars went missing from the Shriners Children Trust fund.
Detectives say the embezzlement started in 2019 when two separate wire transfers of $500,000 went to Williams' personal business LLC.
In 2022, a check from the Childrens Trust totalling $45,000 was written to Williams. A week later, Williams purchased vacant land behind his home for $40,000, according to investigators.
At some point two donations were made from the Childrens Trust to separate college fraternities. The donations, which were made in Williams' name, totaled $25,000 and $250,000, respectively.
The final known transfers came in 2024, with $75,000 wired to his LLC.
The Shiners chapter turned over copies of the wire transfers and checks. A search warrant of Williams' personal bank account revealed at least one deposit of the Shriners money totaling $45,000.
According to detectives, Williams did not speak with investigators when confronted with the allegations.
In a statement to FOX 17, the Saladin Shriners chapter said, "Saladin Shriners are aware of the charges that have been brought against an individual associated with Saladin Shriners. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement and are thankful for their ongoing work. We trust this matter to their capable hands and will continue to support them in their efforts."
Williams was arraigned on the six charges Tuesday afternoon. Of the embezzlement charges, three are for an amount more than $100,000; the other three are for amounts between $50,000 and $100,000.
His bond was set at $10,000.
If convicted Williams could spend up to 105 years in prison, should his sentences be served consecutively. If allowed to carry out his sentences all at the same time, his maximum time in prison would be 20 years.
A previous version of this story referenced Williams as the treasurer of the Saladin Shriners chapter. FOX 17 has learned he was the secretary/recorder for the chapter.
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