A Lansing man, Leslie Buck, 25, was sentenced on Wednesday for fraud involving grant applications. He received two years’ probation, a 100-day jail term already served, and an additional 200 days suspended, which he will not serve if he follows the rules during probation. Buck admitted to charges of perjury and using a computer to commit a crime, according to the Department of Attorney General.
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced the sentencing of Buck for fraud involving state business grants. Nessel stated, "Grant programs are designed to support Michigan residents striving to grow their businesses and should not be exploited for someone’s own personal gain." Investigators said Buck used a computer to file false applications with the Michigan Department of Treasury for the Growing MI Business Grant, a program created to support local businesses, as reported by the Department of Attorney General.
Buck was sentenced on Wednesday after pleading guilty in June to filing fraudulent grant applications. The Lansing Police Department alerted the Treasury Department, which led to the case. Attorney General Dana Nessel said, "I want to thank the Department of Treasury and Lansing Police Department for their vigilance in uncovering this fraud," adding that her office will continue to prosecute misuse of public funds intended for business support, as mentioned by the Department of Attorney General.
