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652 embezzlement charges for ex-VFW official

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The former chief financial officer of the state branch of the Veterans of Foreign Wars is accused of using a debit card to steal more than $120,000 from the organization.

Joe Salas has been indicted by a grand jury on 652 counts of embezzlement and fraud.

Authorities allege that Salas, who had been the organization’s financial officer since 1997, had a debit card issued in his name from the VFW’s account and used it for personal expenses. Tires, gasoline, airline tickets, jewelry and other items were purchased.

Salas’ daughter, Claudine Sanchez, was indicted on 15 theft-related counts. Authorities allege she received VFW checks from her father for personal expenses.

After learning of the allegations, a national VFW board banned Salas from being a member anywhere in the country for the rest of his life.

“It’s been a long road for us,” said B.J. Lawrence, the immediate past VFW president, who testified before the grand jury. “We are pleased with the indictment.”

The VFW was forced to close its state headquarters in Albuquerque because of the stolen funds. The headquarters is now in Ruidoso and there is no office in Albuquerque.

The organization also hasn’t been able to issue as many youth scholarships or calling cards to troops overseas.