Sports Creek employee accused of embezzling $273,000

The Flint Journal reported Saturday that James Balars, the former director of operations at Michigan's Sports Creek Raceway, has been arrested on charges that allege he embezzled $273,000 from the track over a two-year period. Balars, 37, worked at Sports Creek for about 15 years, and most recently had the responsibility of making cash deposits from the track to the bank.

 

Balars, 47, was arraigned in District Court on felony embezzlement charges that could result in a 20-year prison term if convicted. He was released on $100,000 bond.  

 

According to reports, the discrepancy was discovered during an audit, which let to a track employee contacting police.

 

Swartz Creek police Chief Rick Clolinger said an employee from the business approached police in April regarding discrepancies found during an audit. Balars' attorney told the Flint Journal that his client denies the charges. The story also noted that Sports Creek general manager Chris Locking declined to comment.