INEZ GUSTAFSON

IRON MOUNTAIN — A Foster City woman admitted Monday to making personal purchases using funds for the group that operates the senior meals site in Felch Township.

Inez Charmaine Gustafson, 55, pleaded guilty in Dickinson County Circuit Court to embezzlement — agent or trustee $1,000 or more but less than $20,000, a felony that carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

The Dickinson County prosecutor’s office agreed to a delayed sentence while Gustafson pays $2,270.17 in restitution and writes a letter apologizing to the Senior Site Committee and senior citizens affected. The group serves meals at the Felch Community Center on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Gustafson stated that while she was the volunteer treasurer for the committee between January 2022 and August 2024 she bought multiple items for herself using the committee’s funds.

Gustafson initially blamed the missing money on record keeping errors and accidental purchases. However, Circuit Court Judge Christopher Ninomaya informed Gustafson that by claiming sloppy bookkeeping, she had not satisfied terms of the plea agreement. After briefly consulting with her attorney, Daniel Jaspen, Gustafson then said she became aware what she was doing was illegal but continued using the funds.

Gustafson has been in custody since her bond was revoked May 5 but was due to be released today, having served the recommended time before sentencing.

She will be sentenced July 21.