By Jennifer Dearborn
Michael Scott Chaney, age 56, entered a guilty plea to five counts of felony offense embezzlement on June 7, 2021 before the honorable Judge Lynn Nelson.
Chaney was an employee at Canaan Valley Resort State Park for several years. During his employment, Chaney falsified numerous invoices for his personal purchases. There were numerous places where these purchases were made, including Elkins Builders Supply, Fastenal, Motion Industries, Naylor’s Hardware, Tri-County Honda, amongst many other establishments. Chaney purchased items such as an ATV, approximately 15 firearms, tools, and Christmas decorations. The state estimates the loss to be approximately $165,000.
Chaney’s bail was set in the amount of $5,000 cash only and he is subject to probation office supervision as a condition of said bail.
There will be a hearing on August 10, 2021 to determine the amount of restitution Chaney will be ordered to pay along with his sentencing. Each count carries a possible penalty of not less than one nor more than ten years in a state correctional facility or, in the Court’s discretion, confinement in jail up to a year and a fine of not more than $2,500 for a maximum possible penalty of not less than five nor more than fifty years in a state correctional facility.
