State Employee Faces Racketeering Charges

LANSING (WWJ) - A state employee is facing felony charges on accusations that he used the state's money to buy himself carpeting and chairs. 

Brian Hengesbach, facilities manager for the Michigan Department of Human Services, is charged with racketeering. The charge carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison.

State Attorney General Bill Schuette announced the charges against Hengesbach on Wednesday. Schuette says Hengesbach embezzled nearly $4,800 worth of goods in 2009.

Hengesbach is accused of ordering items for the department, then taking them home for his personal use.