LAFAYETTE, La. — Authorities in Louisiana say the head of a group called America's Cajun Navy has been accused of taking money that was supposed to be used to buy Christmas presents for children.
The Acadiana Advocate reports 39-year-old John Adam Billiot Jr. was arrested Tuesday on charges of theft by fraud and misappropriation of funds.
Lafayette Parish Lt. John Mowell says authorities were told in September that Billiot kept most of the money from a fundraiser promising to help with Christmas for two foster children and their foster parents.
Billiot denied it.
Secretary of State records say Billiot created America's Cajun Navy in September 2017, after he and others used their boats and high-water vehicles to help people in Houston during Hurricane Harvey.
It's one of several rescue groups that have some version of Cajun Navy in their name.
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