Former BH superintendent back in court for embezzlement case

 

BERRIEN COUNTY, Mich. -- Dr. Leonard Seawood, the former Benton Harbor Area Schools superintendent, is expected in court Monday morning, ahead of his embezzlement trial.

Seawood is alleged to have taken a cash payout of $45,000 for illegitimate extra vacation days between June 2012 and April 2015.

A judge decided back in May to send his case to trial after hearing from five witnesses.

Seawood and his attorney claim he asked for vacation days he earned, but had no chance to take.

He is charged with embezzlement and obtaining money by false pretenses.

His status conference is set for Monday morning at 8:30 a.m.

His jury trial is scheduled for Tuesday, December 12 at 8:30 a.m.

Update:

Seawood's status conference took place on Monday morning without much news.

The prosecution and defense discussed a few motions regarding evidence with Judge Donna Howard.

A jury trial is set to begin on December 12.

*Correction: The original web story, and video posted above, incorrectly stated the jury trial will begin on Monday, December 11. As corrected above, the trial will start on Tuesday, December 12.