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Commander of Barnesville VFW arrested for allegedly stealing $35K from veterans organization

The GBI says they arrested Richard Allen Wright on Thursday for transferring the post's funds into his personal account.

BARNESVILLE, Ga. — The Veterans of Foreign War post in Lamar County had thousands of dollars allegedly stolen by its own commander, according to a press release from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. 

They say that 44-year-old Richard Allen Wright of Barnesville was serving as the VFW's commander when he allegedly transferred $35,000 from the veteran's organization into his account. 

The VFW, which offers a place for veterans to come together, is a non-profit organization. On their website, they require members to receive an honorable discharge and serve in a foreign war. 

While they also advocate for the needs for veterans, they also hold a variety of fun events like a chili cook-off, new years celebrations and other activities, according to the Barnesville VFW Facebook page 

But on Aug. 4, the Lamar County Sheriff's Office asked the GBI to help in a theft investigation centered at the local VFW post. 

Their investigation found that the transfers happened between Aug. 21, 2020 and April 25, 2022.

They say Wright used those funds for "his personal gain."

He is now booked on theft by taking charges, and he was booked into the Lamar County Sheriff's Office.

They say the investigation is ongoing. 

If you have any information, you can call the Lamar County Sheriff's Office at 770-358-4173. They also accept anonymous tips at 1-800-597-TIPS. 

You can also submit tips online here or on the See Something, Send Something app. 

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