Ex-Mavericks President Charged with Embezzling from Athletic Organization

A former Mavericks president was arrested Monday after a police investigation revealed evidence that he embezzled about $10,000 from the nonprofit athletic program's fund.

Stephen Earl Manthei, 42, faces charges of embezzlement over $1,000 but less than $20,000, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison. 

say Manthei, of Madison Heights, was arrested at , Manthei's place of employment, on Monday, transported to Troy lockup and arraigned the same day. He was released from the Oakland County Jail on Wednesday on a $10,000 bond.

Police say the investigation showed Manthei used funds for his personal gains between April 2010 and December 2010 and refused to turn over financial records at the organization's meetings.

The Mavericks is a nonprofit football and cheerleading organization for youth in Oakland and Macomb counties. There are 150 kids on the roster for this year.

Earlier this year, Manthei was asked to step down from his position. The Mavericks treasurer found discrepancies in the financial records and turned the information over to police. The Mavericks filed a report on May 11, 2011.

The police then completed the investigation and presented it to the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office who issued a warrant for Manthei's arrest.

Current Mavericks President Ted Verner said board members will not provide any detailed comment on the case.

"We're being respectful of the people who are involved in the investigation," Verner said. "We're being fully cooperative with the Clawson Police and Oakland County Prosecutor's Office."

A pre-trial conference is scheduled for Monday in front of Judge William Bolle.