Former Butman, MI, Fire Association President Arraigned for Stealing Money
Jan. 16—A Butman Township firefighter allegedly embezzled up to $100,000 from the Butman Firefighters Association over almost four years before it was discovered.
Elza Hays is charged with embezzlement between $50,000 and $99,999. He was arraigned Tuesday in Gladwin County District Court, accompanied by his attorney David Marvin. He is set for a probable cause hearing at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 29 before Judge Joshua Farrell. Hays is lodged in the Gladwin County Jail on a $30,000 bond.
"He was using the association's funds for his personal gain," said Michigan State Police Lt. Ashley Miller on Friday.
She said the theft occurred from January 2022 to Nov. 18, 2025, when it was discovered. Michigan State Police investigated the alleged crime for about two months before Hays was arrested Jan. 13.
Miller said the Butman Township fire chief and another association representative raised questions about the accounts and bank statements.
"When their questions weren't answered, they became suspicious and reported it right away," Miller said. "They have been very cooperative."
Butman Township is in northern Gladwin County.
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