A resident of Olivet, MI, was arraigned in district court on Oct. 24 for allegedly falsely claiming to be a licensed CPA.
Thirty-year-old Joseph Vanator was charged with one count of accounting violations, a felony that is punishable by up to five years in prison if convicted, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced.
According to authorities, Vanator was employed at Vanators & Associates, an accounting firm in Eaton County, MI, when he allegedly created a false “Certificate/License To Practice Public Accounting” that appeared to be issued by the state’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs.
The case was referred to the attorney general’s department by LARA.
“Issuing certified public accountant licenses helps ensure that residents can trust that those providing financial services have the necessary training and expertise to do so,” Nessel said in a statement. “My office will continue working with LARA to hold those who falsify their qualifications accountable.”
Vanator will next appear in district court on Nov. 3.
Photo credit: BrianAJackson/iStock
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