Former Moose Lodge administrator accused of forging checks - KTTC Rochester, Austin, Mason City News, Weather and Sports

AUSTIN, Minn. (KTTC) -- A former Moose Lodge administrator in Austin is accused of allegedly forging tens of thousands of dollars in checks.

Ashley "Bud" Richard Johnson, 35, is charged with one count of felony check forgery.

Johnson was responsible for managing the club and expenditures, which were discussed and voted on at weekly meetings.

Instead, investigators say Johnson allegedly wrote and forged multiple checks to himself and his wife since May 2011, according to a criminal complaint.

The Moose Lodge called an investigator in August. A month later, Johnson was arrested. He spent the night in jail and was released the next day. He is due in court on Oct. 18.

According to the complaint, Johnson stated his family was going through a financial crisis and he had to "juggle the books," from the first day he started.

If convicted, Johnson could face up to 10 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.