OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich. (WWJ) – A school administrator in West Michigan who recently pleaded guilty to a massive embezzlement scheme has been found dead in jail.
Brian Wheeler, 56, who worked at Grand Haven Area Public Schools for more than two decades, had been fired back in November following an investigation into the embezzlement, according to a report from WZZM in Grand Rapids.
He pleaded guilty earlier this week and was scheduled to be sentenced next month.
WZZM reported in November that Wheeler had diverted funds that did not belong to him through the use of a fake corporation he created called "Infinity Electric."
Wheeler was accused of embezzling about $1 million over the course of several years by writing invoices to the company, turning them into an employee in accounts payable, and then depositing the money into his own accounts, according to WZZM.
WZZM reported Friday Wheeler was found unresponsive at the jail overnight and an ambulance was called, but he died at the scene, despite efforts to revive him.
His cause of death was not immediately announced.
In a statement, Grand Haven Area Public Schools Superintendent Scott Grimes released a statement, saying the district extends its "deepest sympathies to Mr. Wheeler's family, who have been through so much over the past few months. "
"They are first in our thoughts and prayers during this extremely difficult time. The entire situation has been deeply distressing for the GHAPS community," the statement said.
