Ex-Wayne County court employee arraigned on embezzlement charges

A former judicial assistant serving the 3rd Circuit Court in Wayne County is accused of embezzling more than $60,000 from his employer, a sitting Circuit Court judge, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s office announced Tuesday.

Steven Allen, 42, of Detroit, was arraigned Tuesday in the 36th District Court on four felonies, including embezzlement, using a computer to commit a crime, forgery of bank bills/promissory notes, and stealing or retaining a financial transaction device without consent.

State prosecutors allege that during his time of employment at the 3rd Circuit Court from 2018 to 2022, Allen illegally obtained an ATM card associated with the judge’s accounts, wrongfully made withdrawals and purchases, and forged checks presented to the judge to conceal his thefts. The judge became aware of the missing funds when they were notified of delinquent taxes on a secondary property, despite Allen presenting them with checks made to look like they were sent to satisfy the tax, according to a news release.

“Everyone should exercise extreme caution in who you permit to access your financial accounts,” said Nessel in a statement. “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.”

The press release did not name the judge or provide details on what the alleged funds were used for.

A probable cause hearing in the case will take place on Monday, Jan. 29, before 36th District Court Judge Patricia Jefferson. Allen’s preliminary exam has been scheduled for Feb. 5.