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Former Fraternal Order of Police treasurer accused of embezzling $110K

NEWTON, N.C. — The former treasurer of a Fraternal Order of Police Lodge in Catawba County is accused of stealing from the nonprofit organization.

A grand jury indicted Timothy James Brewer on wire fraud charges for embezzling more than $110,000.

Brewer worked for the Catawba County FOP Lodge 26 in Newton from 2005 to 2016, and was elected to serve as its treasurer.

The indictment, which was unsealed Tuesday, accuses Brewer of defrauding the FOP by fraudulently diverting the organization's funds for his personal benefit.

[READ: U.S. Attorney's announcement on the indictment]

Brewer misused an FOP credit card for personal use and successfully converted more than $61,000 for his personal gain, according to the indictment.

The indictment also alleges that Brewer used an FOP bank account to pay the balance on a personal credit card, and converted almost $50,000 for his own personal gain without any authority from the FOP.

Brewer used the fraudulently converted funds to pay for restaurants, hotels and medical bills, according to the documents.

Brewer has been released on bond. The wire fraud charge carries a maximum prison term of 20 years and a $250,000 fine.