Grey County OPP have arrested a man on charges related to missing money from a local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.
Earl Woolery III, 52, faces five charges stemming from approximately $16,000 reported missing by Royal Canadian Legion Branch 333 in Flesherton.
An arrest warrant had been issued for Woolery after he failed to meet with police and refused requests for contact.
Flesherton Legion President and Chaplain Shawn Ankenmann says he first became aware of irregularities earlier this year, and when they approached him, he claimed he had "fallen behind".
Ankenmann says Woolery was relieved of his duties at this time, and a branch member with a financial background began looking into the books, and she "quickly determined that there was more than just irregularities".
Ankenmann says audits were conducted by the legion, OPP, and an insurance company, who all determined there was money missing.
When asked to describe the incident, Ankenmann called the situation "appalling", because it has hindered the branch's ability to conduct everyday business. According to Ankenmann, all funds gathered from the "Ride for the Fallen" event held last September "are gone".
Earl Clarance Woolery III faces charges of theft over $5,000, fraud over $5,000, falsification of books and documents with fraudulent intent, criminal breach of trust, and unlawful use of military uniforms.
He has a court date set for August 9 in Owen Sound.