A Fenton business owner and the developer of a planned $31 million project in Fenton is in jail after admitting to embezzling more than $20 million from his day job.

Michael LaJoice, owner of Chassé Ballroom and Latin Dance Studio, worked for Clarkston Brandon Community Credit Union as CFO for more than a decade.  Our sister station in Flint, Cars 108, says LaJoice has been charged with 14 counts of embezzlement, each carrying a 20 year sentence.

The situation isn't just a problem for the credit union and people that like to dance, however.

LaJoice's Chassé was a regular contributor to local charities.  The company's donations were often sizable.  The company was a top contributor to both the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Walk and the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan's Backpack Night.

LaJoice was also working to develop a 155,000 square foot retail space in Fenton, Cars 108 reports.  The future of that project is in question.

Using the links above, you can help offset the charities' losses by making a donation.

Chassé is closed.

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