Michigan woman, 41, accused of embezzling $176K from employer

WAYNE COUNTY, MI – A Wayne County woman is accused of stealing more than $176,000 from her employer.

Kendra Marie Lewis, 41, of Redford, was arraigned in the 14A-3 District Court of Washtenaw County for embezzlement of $100,000 or more, a 20-year felony, and two counts of failure to file taxes, 5-year felonies.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel alleges that Lewis embezzled approximately $176,653 in 2020 and 2021 while employed as the office manager of Big Ike’s Roofing Co. in Whitmore Lake.

She says the owner of the company discovered that Lewis was embezzling when a new office manager was hired at his company.

Lewis allegedly embezzled by writing checks payable to herself and recorded them in the business checkbook ledger as being payable to various business vendors for significantly less amounts.

Lewis has been charged as a habitual offender based on her prior criminal record.

“Those who steal from small businesses not only hurt the owners of those establishments, but also harm consumers by driving up the cost of doing business in our state,” Nessel said. “I will not hesitate to prosecute those who break the law.”

A probable cause conference is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Dec. 22.