Former Allen Parish mayor arrested for stealing public money

ELIZABETH, La. (AP) - The former mayor of an Allen Parish town has been arrested on charges that he stole more than $6,500 in public money.

Robert “Bob” Crafton was arrested Thursday on two counts of theft involving the misappropriation of public funds.

The American Press of Lake Charles (https://bit.ly/24g40Qt) reports Crafton turned himself in and was released on $5,000 bail Friday.

Crafton resigned in February 2015 after 12 years as mayor following an audit accusing him of taking $4,800 in excess pay in 2014.

Crafton allegedly sought advance payments to pay for a medical test for his wife, who was diagnosed with cancer.

The report said Crafton may have also illegally received $2,724 of $117,354 that the town paid after it ended a natural gas contract.

Crafton has repaid most of the money.

___

Information from: American Press, https://www.americanpress.com