CASSOPOLIS — A Niles woman faces up to 10 years in prison for allegedly embezzling more than $25,000 while working as an office assistant for Howard Township.

Christine Nichole Mahar, 45, was officially charged Tuesday in Cass County Court with one count of embezzlement by a public official over $50 — a felony carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison or a $5,000 fine.

She appeared via television monitor for the hearing wearing a jail jumpsuit and glasses.

In arguing her position for the amount of bond to be placed on Mahar, Assistant Prosecutor Tiffiny Vohwinkle said more than an estimated $25,000 was embezzled.

Magistrate Chris Rockafellow set Mahar’s bond at $5,000 cash or surety.

Vohwinkle said Mahar turned herself in around noon Tuesday.

A preliminary examination was set for Sept. 23 when a judge will decide if enough evidence exists to bind Mahar over for trial.

Mahar is represented by Dowagiac defense attorney Daniel French.

Last month, the Michigan State Police Niles Post revealed that it was investigating an alleged embezzlement of public funds by an employee of Howard Township.

Det. Fabian Suarez said two township employees discovered discrepancies in township financial records and turned the investigation over the state police Aug. 12.

Township Treasurer Linda Rudlaff, who is named as the complaining witness in the case, was one of the employees who discovered the alleged embezzlement.

Rudlaff said Tuesday that office staff worked diligently to determine what happened after uncovering the alleged crime.

“We look forward to getting this behind us,” she said Tuesday.

Mahar was dismissed from her position after the alleged embezzlement was uncovered. Rudlaff said Mahar worked for the township for 12 years.

According to police, a preliminary investigation indicates there are questions pertaining to missing rental payments, fraudulent health insurance payments received and, possibly, some tax cash payments made by township residents.