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A Baraga County woman’s embezzlement trial will begin in 2027.
Last Tuesday, Baraga County Prosecutor Joseph O’Leary and defendant Theresa Bianco, with her attorney Timothy Wrather, met in 12th Circuit Court before Judge Brittany Bulliet for a final pretrial hearing.
Bianco was arrested in July 2025 after an investigation found she embezzled more than $100,000 from the L’Anse Area Schools while she was employed as the district business manager. Bianco later waived her right to a preliminary exam and was bound over to the circuit court.
O’Leary told Keweenaw Report the court expects defense to submit a motion to suppress, impacting the timeline for when a trial could begin. He could not provide details on what that motion could pertain to and assured he is ready to begin trial in the case.
The Baraga County 12th District Court has set a placeholder hearing on its schedule to meet after a motion has been submitted. O’Leary added that the trial is set to begin Jan. 13, 2027, and Bianco has not violated any terms of her bond.
If convicted of felony embezzlement over $100,000, Bianco faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a fine of $35,000 or three times the value of the fraud.
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