CLINTON TOWNSHIP (WWJ) -- A preliminary exam for former Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith is underway this morning in Clinton Township District Court.
The 54-year-old is accused of taking $600,000 from the county’s forfeiture fund for his own personal use.
He is facing 10 felonies, with charges including racketeering and embezzlement by a public official.
First on the witness stand was Macomb County Assistant Corporation Counsel Frank Krycia, who testified that the treasurer controls all forfeiture funds that come to the county.
He also detailed how an off-the-books account was discovered in 2016.
At least 10 other witnesses are scheduled to testify during the hearing, which could take several days.
The hearing will determine whether or not there is enough evidence for Smith to stand trial.
Smith faces decades in prison if convicted as charged.
Last year, he pleaded guilty to a federal charge of obstruction of justice. That sentencing is currently on hold until the State Attorney General’s case is concluded.
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