Lakewood police officer Skeeter Timothy Manos was arrested today and charged with ten federal felonies for allegedly embezzling more than $150,000 from a police fund meant to benefit the families of four Lakewood Police Officers who were fatally gunned down at a Lakewood coffee shop in November 2009. Manos, who was arrested today at Lakewood's City Hall, served as the Treasurer of the Lakewood Police Independent Guild, which managed the fund.

“This is a sad day for our community,” said U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan in a statement. “These acts betrayed the memory of our fallen heroes, their families, fellow officers and all who supported the fund. I commend the Lakewood Police and the Pierce County Prosecutor for coming forward promptly with evidence of these crimes.”

According to the criminal complaint, Manos set up a secret bank account—separate from the primary account established by the Lakewood Police Independent Guild—for donations to the Lakewood Police Officers’ families. From there, Manos allegedly diverted $151,000 from the $3.2 million in public donations for the families.

Manos is accused of spending $120,000 on items at Costco and Home Depot, and on airplane tickets to Las Vegas, Nevada. While in Vegas, investigators say that Manos made cash withdrawals at various casinos, including the Bellagio, in April 2010. He also allegedly took out cash at the Hawks Prairie Casino in December 2010.

“While I am disappointed that such a serious breach of trust was committed, I am very proud that the Lakewood Police Department was able to ‘police’ its own," said Lakewood City Manager Andrew E. Neiditz. "The investigation was initiated by a Lakewood officer, and the Chief responded decisively in referring the matter on to prosecutors without delay.”

The case is being investigated by the FBI with the assistance of the Lakewood Police Department and the Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office. Manos will make his initial appearance on the charges in U.S. District Court in Tacoma at 2:30 today.