Police seek couple who embezzled 1.8 million from company www.privateofficer.com

AUBURN HILLS MI June 28 2008 Police are seeking a Waterford Township couple charged with embezzling more than $1.8 million from The Palace of Auburn Hills through the use of a corporate credit card.
Amy McDonald, a former accounting manager at the sports-entertainment complex, allegedly used a company credit card to buy personal items, firearms, high-tech electronics, vehicles, household utilities — even pay court-ordered child support owed by her husband, Erik.
Both 36, they are named in arrest warrants for embezzlement of $20,000; embezzlement of $100,000 or more; and conspiracy to commit embezzlement, said Auburn Hills Police Lt. Tom Hardesty.
Erik McDonald, who has a 1989 armed robbery conviction, is also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The crimes, felonies punishable by up to 20 years in prison, occurred between January 2006 and May 2008, when The Palace confirmed the improper use and fired McDonald, police said.
The Detroit News reported earlier this month that The Palace had filed a lawsuit against the McDonalds in Oakland Circuit Court seeking return of $1.8 million in unauthorized credit charges. Amy McDonald had been confronted about the charges at one point and denied having made any inappropriate or personal purchases, according to the complaint.
The Palace has declined comment on the matter.
The McDonalds had possession of at least four vehicles police have been unable to locate, Hardesty said, including: a white 2002 Ford Excursion; a red 2008 Dodge Charger; a white 2006 Ford Mustang; and 1998 Ford Explorer.
Erik McDonald has numerous tattoos on his right arm and shoulders and Amy McDonald has possibly altered her hairstyle, police say.

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