Ex-Toys for Tots leader arrested
Lamar accused of stealing from organization
A former head of the local Toys for Tots organization has been arrested for allegedly stealing from the organization.
John Henry Lamar, 62, of Sulphur, was arrested Tuesday on a charge of theft over $25,000.
Lamar was booked into the Calcasieu Correctional Center and was later released on bond.
He was indicted by a grand jury last week.
The allegations involve the diversion of money that was intended for the Toys for Tots campaign, according to the indictment.
Toys for Tots is a long-time annual Christmas toy drive sponsored by the United States Marine Corps Reserve.
The alleged thefts took place between Oct. 5, 2015, and Dec. 1, 2018, according to the indictment.
Although the charge is "theft over $25,000," authorities said the amount is still being determined and could be in excess of $100,000.
According to the local Toys for Tots website, "the mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November, and December of each year, and to distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community."
Lamar is no longer the coordinator for the local Toys for Tots chapter.