Florida man accused of stealing $100K in hurricane relief funds meant for Moose Lodges

TAMPA, Fla. — A Florida man is accused of stealing $100,000 in relief money meant for Moose Lodges in the state that were impacted by Hurricane Ian, authorities said.

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According to the Palmetto Police Department, William Andrew Luff, 34, of Palmetto, took the money from the Palmetto Moose Lodge. The organization was preparing to send funds to Moose Lodges in South Florida for disaster relief, WFLA-TV reported.

Luff was arrested in Tampa by the Tampa Police Department on Tuesday night on five out-of-county warrants, according to Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office online booking records.

According to online booking records, Luff is being held awaiting transfer to neighboring Manatee County. He faces charges of criminal mischief, grand theft of funds of more than $100,000 during a state of emergency, tampering with evidence, burglary of a structure during a state of emergency and possession of burglary tools.

Police did not say how Luff was able to allegedly steal the cash, WTVT reported.

According to Tampa police, Luff was cooperative and was arrested without incident, according to WWSB-TV. Authorities said most of the cash has been recovered and will be returned to the Palmetto Moose Lodge, the television station reported.

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APTOPIX Tropical Storm Biden President Joe Biden talks to a person impacted by Hurricane Ian as he tours the area on Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2022, in Fort Myers Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci) (Evan Vucci)

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Photos: Hurricane Ian's devastating impact on Florida MATLACHA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 30: Whitney Hall (R) embraces a friend atop the remains of his home amidst wreckage left in the wake of Hurricane Ian on the island of Matlacha on September 30, 2022 in Matlacha, Florida. The hurricane brought high winds, storm surge and rain to the area causing severe damage. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) (Win McNamee/Getty Images)

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