Gladwin County man arrested for embezzlement. What police are saying

A person who was a part of the Butman Firefighters Affiliation in Gladwin County has been arrested and charged with embezzling greater than $50,000 from the group, Michigan State Police stated Friday, Jan. 16.

Elza Hayes, 38, former deputy president for the group was arraigned Friday in Gladwin County’s eightieth District Courtroom on costs of embezzling greater than $50,000 however lower than $100,000, the MSP Third District stated in a put up on X.

Hayes turned himself in after a warrant was filed by the Gladwin County Prosecutor’s Workplace, MSP stated.

Troopers from the West Department State Police station started investigating on Nov. 18, 2025, MSP stated.

“The investigation revealed that from January 2021 to November 2025, Hays used the Butman Firefighter’s Affiliation debit card for private and household income totaling a number of thousand {dollars},” MSP stated. “After an investigation and overview of the information, the criticism was submitted to the Gladwin County Prosecutor’s Workplace for overview.”

Hays was given a $30,000 money or surety bond, MSP stated. His subsequent court docket look is scheduled for Jan. 29 at 11:30 a.m.

The Butman municipality Hearth Division is “a totally certified non-profit group staffed by devoted volunteers who present skilled fireplace companies to the residents of Butman Township. We presently have a roster of 15 volunteers, together with officers,” the web site says.