An Elmwood Township man pleaded guilty in 13th Circuit Court Monday to filing a false sworn contractor statement.

George D. Newpower, 58, of 13766 S. W. Bay Shore Dr., Traverse City pleaded guilty to the felony charge before Judge Thomas G. Power. In exchange, assistant county prosecutor Doug Donaldson agreed to drop the habitual offender clause against Newpower, who was convicted in August 1997 in Antrim County of embezzling over $1 million from business partners and others in Mancelona. Power accepted the plea and scheduled Newpower’s sentencing for May 27.

Donaldson said Newpower had a contract with a downstate couple to work on their condominium in Suttons Bay. As part of the work, Newpower filed sworn statements to condo owners and a county title company claiming he had paid bills to three area supply stores so he could be reimbursed. The amount in question is $22,500, but a review of the supply stores’ records shows the bills were never paid.

Newpower faces a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in prison and or up to $15,000 in fines or three times the statement amount, whichever is greater.