Lansing Man Sentenced for Filing Fraudulent Grant Applications

LANSING – Leslie Buck, 25, of Lansing, was sentenced on Wednesday to two years’ probation, 100 days in jail already served, and an additional 200 days in jail was suspended pending successful completion of the probationary term, announced Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Buck, who was charged by the Department of Attorney General in December for filing fraudulent grant applications with the Michigan Department of Treasury, pled guilty in June to seven counts of Perjury – Other Than Court Proceeding and one count of Using a Computer to Commit a Crime.  

“Grant programs are designed to support Michigan residents striving to grow their businesses and should not be exploited for someone’s own personal gain,” said Nessel at the time the defendant pled. “I want to thank the Department of Treasury and Lansing Police Department for their vigilance in uncovering this fraud. My office will continue to prosecute those who abuse public resources.” 

Buck used a computer to submit fraudulent Growing MI Business Grant applications to the Michigan Department of Treasury. The Treasury Department was alerted to this activity by the Lansing Police Department.