MUSKEGON HEIGHTS, Mich. — State police are investigating possible embezzlement involving staff members at Muskegon Family Care.
The health clinic unexpectedly closed on Friday, leaving hundreds without jobs and thousands of patients without a place to go.
Michigan State Police Rockford Post told FOX 17, “The Michigan State Police Rockford Post has been requested to investigate possible embezzlement involving staff members at the Muskegon Family Care facility in Muskegon Heights. There are no allegations or implications that would directly impact clients of Muskegon Family Care. The investigation is in its preliminary stages so the MSP does not have any further information to pass along at this time.”
Meanwhile, the thousands affected by the closure are still reeling in disbelief, worried about what the future holds.
“The staff, the providers a lot of us were in the dark, I think people in charge currently were just kind of handed this mess to handle and it’s not their fault either,” An employee of the non-profit clinic said to FOX 17 news on Sunday, under the condition of anonymity.
She says she’s part of 30% percent of employees who will report to work Monday, what they will do and how long they will work is unclear.
“It’s been so hush hush then last minute, things were being scrambled until the very end of the day Friday.”
“People are going to go without their medications, their blood thinners, their diabetic medications this is going to be catastrophic. The community got sucker punched,” she added.
The community along with other employees rallied on Saturday, ooking for answers and help from lawmakers.
Congressmen Bill Huizenga’s office released a statement, saying:
“Our office was made aware of allegations detailing gross abuse of taxpayer dollars and corruption at Muskegon Family Care. Over a year ago, our office then relayed that information to the proper authorities. Residents of Muskegon Heights, Muskegon County, and West Michigan depended on this facility to provide care. Congressman Huizenga will continue to monitor the situation and is committed to developing appropriate safeguards to protect residents of Muskegon Heights and the surrounding communities.” – Brian Patrick, Communications Director, Congressman Bill Huizenga
“There’s a lot of people needing some help and some answers and there’s a large group of individuals without jobs that are willing to take care of them,” an employee said.
Muskegon Family Care posted on Facebook that they will see scheduled patients on Monday, but have still not released any information about the clinic’s closing.
