Man who handled finances at SW Michigan grocery chain expected to plead guilty to $6M fraud

Christopher Pratt admits to using money to buy, lease more than 50 cars

Published On: Feb 28 2013 06:34:36 AM EST
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SOUTH HAVEN, Mich. -

A man who handled finances at a grocery chain in southwestern Michigan is returning to court to plead guilty to stealing more than $6 million.

Christopher Pratt wasn't spending the cash on carts of food. He admits buying or leasing more than 50 cars, including vintage American muscle cars.

Pratt admits to stealing from Village Market Food Centers in a plea agreement filed in Grand Rapids federal court. He's due in court Thursday for a guilty plea.

He says he concealed his crime by manipulating the books at the South Haven-based chain. Pratt used company checks to pay thousands of dollars in credit card bills.

The 42-year-old Portage man is required to cooperate with authorities in other criminal investigations. It could lead to a shorter sentence.

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