Pequot Teacher Charged in $34,000 Theft

PEQUOT LAKES, Minn. (AP) - A Pequot Lakes teacher has been charged with six felonies in Crow Wing County in the theft of $34,000 from a teachers' union fund.

46-year-old Larry Lightner of rural Backus was charged Thursday. He was not taken into custody. His first court appearance is set for Oct. 3.

Lightner did not return a message seeking comment left at his home by The Associated Press.

Lightner served as co-treasurer of Education Minnesota Pequot Lakes. The criminal complaint says he told investigators he had been writing himself checks from the union's account since 2005.

Lightner reported the theft to the president of Education Minnesota Pequot Lakes, who in turn called police on July 25.

Lightner was the 2007 Pequot Lakes teacher of the year.