Detroit, MI - On Wednesday, February 14, 2024, Steven Allen, 42, of Detroit, waived his preliminary exam and was bound over to stand trial in the 3rd Circuit Court in Wayne County on four felonies, facing allegations he embezzled more than $60,000 from his employer, a sitting Circuit Court judge, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
Allen was employed as a judicial assistant serving a judge in the 3rd Circuit Court in Wayne County from 2018 to 2022. During these years, it is alleged he illegally obtained an ATM card associated with the judge’s accounts, wrongfully made withdrawals and purchases, and forged checks presented to the victim to conceal his thefts. The victim became aware of the missing funds after being notified of delinquent taxes on a secondary property, despite Allen presenting the judge with checks made to look like they were sent to satisfy the tax.
He has been charged with one count of each:
- Embezzlement, $50,000-$100,000, a 15-year felony;
- Using a Computer to Commit a Crime, a 10-year felony;
- Forgery of Bank Bills/Promissory Notes, a 7-year felony; and
- Stealing or Retaining Without Consent a Financial Transaction Device, a 4-year felony.
“Everyone should exercise extreme caution in who you permit to access your financial accounts,” said Nessel last month announcing the charges. “Even judges are not immune to theft, embezzlement and fraud perpetrated against them by those they trust the most. Truly anyone can fall victim to financial exploitation crimes.”
Allen will next appear in the 3rd Circuit Court for an arraignment on Wednesday, February 28, 2024, at 9:00 a.m.
Please note: For all criminal proceedings, a criminal charge is merely an allegation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.