A Traverse City woman accused of taking over $40,000 from her employer was arraigned in the 86th District Court on Friday.

Laura A. McAlpine, 50, 4312 Bridlewood, Traverse City, was arraigned before Judge Thomas J. Philips Friday morning on a felony charge of embezzlement over $20,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Sept. 21 at 10:30 a.m. She is free on bond.

According to court documents, between 2000 and 2003 McAlpine was employed by Distinctive Windows and Doors in Solon Township. During that time she allegedly wrote checks to herself from the company’s account totaling over $40,000.

If McAlpine is found guilty of this charge, she faces a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison and or a fine of up to $15,000 or three times the amount of funds taken.