Bacon resigns from fire authority

CUSTER — Robert Bacon has resigned as the bookkeeper for the Mason County Rural Fire Authority. Bacon has held the part-time position since the authority was formed in the mid-1990s. Two weeks ago Bacon was arraigned on the charge of embezzlement from Mason County Eastern Schools. He served as that district’s business manager from 2003 to Dec. 31, 2011.

Bruce Krieger, chairman of the rural fire authority, said Bacon offered to resign, a decision that was encouraged by the authority’s legal counsel. His resignation was accepted Thursday during the authority’s regular monthly meeting. During that meeting, the authority board went into closed session to discuss Bacon. Krieger said it is important to take the approach that a person is innocent unless proven guilty .

Krieger said there is no suspicion of wrong doing on Bacon’s part in relation to the fire authority.
The rural fire authority represents all municipalities in Mason County with the exception of Pere Marquette, Hamlin and Logan townships and the City of Ludington. It is supported by 1 mill.

According to an investigation performed by the Michigan State Police and a forensic accounting prepared at the request of the school district, the Mason County Prosecutor’s Office alleges Bacon embezzled just over $96,000 during his tenure at the school.
The felony is punishable by up to 10 years confinement. Bacon was released on a $15,000 personal recognizance bond pending a preliminary examination scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 30 at 11 a.m. in 79th District Court.