Shriner Treasurer Charged With Theft in Montana

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The former volunteer treasurer of a Montana Shriners organization faces charges he stole more than $23,000 from the group's checking accounts.

The Helena Independent-Record reports Jeffrey James Petek was charged by prosecutors in District Court in Helena with taking the money from the Algeria Shrine in Montana's capital city.

According to court documents, Shriners officers found funds missing during a routine audit.

The prosecutors affidavit indicates Petek told police in April he'd taken the money and probably still owed about $22,000, though he planned to pay it back.

Ted Leckner, a local official with the charitable group, says he thinks accounts will likely be replenished, through a combination of repayments from Petek and insurance.

Petek is no longer a Shriner.

Shriners help support 22 hospitals for kids in North America.