SOUTH BRUNSWICK — Police have charged two brothers in connection with the theft of $20,000 from the South Brunswick Moose Lodge.
Russell Quabeck and Scott Quabeck, both of North Brunswick, have been charged with stealing the money over an eight-month period.
According to South Brunswick Detective Jim Stoddard, lodge governor Gene Zielinski reported he first discovered discrepancies in the lodge’s savings on March 21, following an audit conducted by lodge members.
Zielinski’s suspicions focused on lodge administrator Scott Quabeck, according to Stoddard. Quabeck, who held the position as administrator for the last year and a half, was in charge of depositing the lodge’s money into a bank account.
When confronted with the allegations, Stoddard said Scott Quabeck claimed it was his brother, Russell, who had been stealing the money.
Stoddard said an investigation suggested Russell Quabeck, who had served as the lodge’s bartender, stole the $20,000 between May 2004 and January 2005.
Russell Quabeck, who remains at large, has been charged with the theft of $20,000. A warrant has been issued for his arrest and bail has been set at $25,000, according to Stoddard.
His brother, Scott, has been charged with conspiracy to commit theft, as he allegedly misled lodge members into believing the money was still in the lodge’s bank account.
Stoddard said Wednesday morning that he expected Scott Quabeck to surrender to police later that day.