KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO) -- The well regarded Chair of the WMU Occupational Therapy Department has been arrested and booked. Dr. Joe Pellerito has stepped down after he was charged with a five year felony for allegedly embezzling cash from the University.   He stepped down as chair on Monday but retains his tenured professorship and remains on staff for now. 

He allegedly received reimbursement for trips he did not take.  The investigation reportedly began with an anonymous tip to University Public Safety and an internal audit team was assigned to go through the books this spring, resulting in Tuesday’s arraignment.  His attorney says he will be vindicated once they get a chance to tell his side of the story.