Chief executive and bookkeeper of insurance group admit theft

LANSING (AP) -- Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette says the chief executive and bookkeeper of a nonprofit agency that coordinates workers compensation insurance have pleaded guilty to roles in a scheme to embezzle $2.6 million over 11 years. Schuette said Monday that 67-year-old Jerry Stage of New Hudson and 55-year-old George Bauer, 55, of Oakland County's Commerce Township made the pleas in separate Wayne County Circuit Court hearings. Stage was head of the Compensation Advisory Organization of Michigan, and Bauer kept its books. The organization gives administrative and customer service support for the Michigan Workers' Compensation Placement Facility. It collects data from insurers licensed to sell workers' compensation insurance in Michigan and isn't a state agency. Bauer's sentencing is scheduled June 26, and Stage's is Sept. 10. Published: Wed, Jun 5, 2013