Charges dropped against WMU dept head

KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) - The case against a Western Michigan University department head charged with embezzlement was dropped. However, the charges could be refiled at a later time.

Dr. Joseph Pellerito was arraigned in June on one felony charge of embezzlement over $1,000. The alleged embezzlement was uncovered during at audit. Pellerito was the Occupational Therapy Department Chair until he resigned from that position after the embezzlement allegations arose.

The WMU Department of Internal Audit and Department of Public Safety began the investigation before turning it over to prosecutors.

Carrie Klein, the chief assistant prosecutor, confirmed the case was dismissed but added the charges could be refiled.

The case was already delayed once, and due to the time needed to prepare for a trial, the prosecutor's office decided to drop the charges for now.