ESCANABA – The former mayor of Escanaba has been charged with embezzling more than $100,000 from the Escanaba Eagles Club.

The Michigan State Police says Leo Evans, 58, was arrested Monday. He was arraigned in Delta County District Court and released on bond. He is facing 20 years in prison.

Evans abruptly resigned from the Escanaba City Council on March 23 after 18 years on the council including several terms as mayor. He was Mayor Pro-Tem at the time of his resignation. In a letter to Mayor Marc Tall, Evans wrote, “It is with deep regret that I resign my position on the city council. Due to an upcoming issue I will not be able to serve on the city council.”

Mike Sattem was chosen by the council in April to replace Evans.

Evans won the most votes during the city election in November 2013 with 1,083 votes. Tall replaced Evans as mayor after the election.

The embezzlement investigation was conducted by officers at the State Police Post in Iron Mountain. They were assisted by detectives from the Gladstone Post.

Evans was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 608 Ludington Street, in Escanaba. The club offers a bar and food service at the Escanaba facility. FOE also raises money for various community charities.

His next court date has not been scheduled.