Jonathan Andrews Barnes is charged with one felony count of embezzlement between $20,000 to $50,000. According to Michigan court records, Barnes pleaded not guilty at his arraignment Monday.

The charge follows an investigation by the Forsyth Township Police Department.

In a news release, the department said investigators determined Barnes, while employed at Larrys Family Foods in Gwinn, allegedly embezzled several thousand dollars by preloading gift cards and later using them for personal purchases at local businesses and online shopping vendors.

The investigation reportedly began after store administrators discovered a large discrepancy in gift card sales and turned the information over to law enforcement. Court records list the offense date as May 1.

Police allege that Jonathan Barnes, while employed at Larrys Family Foods in Gwinn, embezzled several thousand dollars through a gift card scheme. (Google Maps photo)

Barnes is currently being lodged in the Marquette County Jail on a $1,000 cash/surety bond as of Monday. He is scheduled to appear in court July 2 for a probable cause conference.

According to the Marquette County 25th Judicial Circuit Court, Barnes will appear in court July 25 regarding a probation violation for a separate case.

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Sophie Vogelmann can be reached at 906-786-2021 or svogelmann@dailypress.net.