Former Benton Harbor Area Schools Superintendent Leonard Seawood has been found guilty on all counts in his embezzlement trial. Seawood is accused of stealing more than $40,000 from the district by taking payouts for unused vacation days. The trial this week included testimony from several current and former school board officials, along with Seawood himself. He maintains he received authorization for the vacation payouts. School board officials say Seawood was not straightforward about it. He was fired from the district last year following a lengthy suspension and investigation by Michigan State Police. The jury returned its verdict of guilty on counts of embezzlement and obtaining money under false pretenses this morning after a day of deliberations. Sentencing will be January 29. Seawood could get up to 15 years in prison. Berrien County Prosecutor Michael Sepic tells WSJM News it’s good to now have some of the school “district’s difficult years behind us, including Seawood’s conduct.”
