Sturgis Woman Charged with Stealing Money from Union

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Sturgis woman was indicted by a federal grand jury for stealing money from a union and then lying about it.

Melody Wouden, a/k/a Melody DeLong, age 49, was indicted on October 23, 2012, for False Statement and Larceny. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on October 26, 2012, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 5 years' imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine. The charges are merely accusations, and Wouden is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Department of Labor. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne A. Venhuizen is prosecuting the case. Wouden was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not yet been set.