Fitz estimates loss at $2 million

Published 8:52 pm Friday, May 25, 2007

By Staff
CASSOPOLIS – Authorities from multiple agencies executed search warrants at several business locations of the SamSon Auto dealerships and private residences in Cass County.
The search warrants and the arrest of one individual are related to a multi-million dollar embezzlement of a Kansas Power Ball Lottery winner, Felix Kane Sr. Samuel Sweeden is the son-in-law to Felix Kane, 85, and Alma Laverne Kane, 85.
Found in the search warrants include $91,000 in cash, expensive jewelry and extensive records of Sweeden.
Seized from the SamSon Auto Dealership in Niles was the entire vehicle inventory, totaling 46 vehicles.
"Many other tasks remain to be completed in this investigation including a forensic financial audit of several bank accounts and business records," states Det. Sgt. Fabian Suarez, Niles post detective.
The accounting firm of Plante and Moran of Grand Rapids has been retained to assist with this investigation.
At this point in the investigation, authorities believe at least $2 million was embezzled from Felix Kane Sr.
"The financial audit will determine the full scope in which Felix and Alma Kane were victimized," Cass County Prosecutor Victor Fitz commented Thursday.
It doesn't appear that any past customers of the SamSon Auto dealerships were harmed in purchasing or trading in automobiles.