Former deputy indicted on fraud charges involving non-profit

SEATTLE — A former Skagit County Sheriff's deputy has been indicted on federal charges of using Pacific Northwest Police Detection Dog Association funds for his own benefit.

The association provides training and certification to law enforcement narcotic detection K9 teams in five states and British Columbia, Canada.

The indictment, filed Thursday, says Brian Lehr worked as a canine officer and became the association's treasurer in 1998.

Scroll down to continue reading

More news from KIRO 7

• Three men with gunshot wounds dropped off at Burien medical center
• Redmond couple finds intruder in daughter's room
• In Washington, 7 cats found mutilated and killed; law enforcement issue warning
• Illegal dumping outside homeless encampments rising dramatically
• Do you have an investigative story tip? Send us an email at investigate@kiro7.com

DOWNLOAD OUR FREE NEWS APP

Lehr collected payments made to the association for various purposes, including its annual training conference.

The indictment says Lehr used some of those funds between 2010 and 2015 to make payments on his personal credit card, to pay cable and cellphone bills and make purchases at various stores and restaurants.

Sheriff Will Reichardt said Monday that Lehr was terminated in 2016 after the allegations came to light.

It was not immediately known if Lehr has a lawyer. His arraignment is set for Aug. 16.

Associated Press