Former Riverview Country Club Employee Charged with Stealing

The former head golf pro at Riverview Country Club in Forks Township has been charged with stealing money and equipment from the club.
 
Christopher Michael Stager, 32, of Bangor has been charged with receiving stolen property, theft by deception and theft by failing to make required disposition funds.
 
Police say Stager stole golf clubs, took league fees and had the club pay printing fees for postcards.

Stager is no longer employed at the club. He was dismissed as head golf pro on June 30, 2010, according to police reports.
 
He had been under investigation by Forks Township Police who requested that a warrant be issued for his arrest on Feb. 14.
 
Of the charges, police say, between Feb. 1, 2010 and July 24, 2010 Stager allegedly removed three sets of driving irons and one driver, totaling $3,000 from the club without the club’s knowledge. The club listed the items as missing from inventory in July. Police reports say Stager had no intention of returning the items until he became aware that he was under investigation by police. 
 
Police also charge that Stager contacted an employee of the golf shop, allegedly asking for his help in returning the merchandise back to the club without shop officials finding out. He allegedly returned the items on July 24, 2010.
 
Reports say Stager would also take $25 per golfer in weekly summer league fees for signing up for the men’s and ladies 2010 Monday men's summer and Thursday ladies summer golf leagues that were held at the club. The funds were usually dropped off in an envelope with Stager’s name on it. According to reports, employees were told by Stager to put those envelopes on his desk. Stager allegedly then placed the checks and cash into his personal Lafayette Ambassador Bank checking account. Reports say this occurred between Feb. 2010 and May 2010. The money, that reportedly totaled $1,030, was never handed over at the time of his dismissal from the club, reports state.
 
The club became aware of the missing funds after receiving calls from golfers who signed up for leagues inquiring about luncheon dates and prizes. In all 43 golfers had to be reimbursed for the luncheon and prizes, costing the club $2,064 reports state.

Police also allege that Stager had $100 in postcards printed up and charged to the club for his girlfriend’s photography business.  Reports state he requested that the printer have the invoice read “golf club promo cards”. 
 
Police say Stager also usurped his position as head golf pro between Feb. 1, 2010 and June 30, 2010 in order to receive funds for golf leagues.