Tripoli Shrine Center officials charged with embezzlement

Two officials from the Tripoli Shrine Center have been charged with felony embezzlement charges by the Milwaukee Police Department's Financial Crimes Unit.

Michael Geiger, a 47 year-old of Colgate, and Reider L. Hoff, 71 year-old of Brookfield, each face one charge of Theft/Embezzlement.

According to the criminal complaint, Geiger, the Center's former director, stole more than $200,000 during a two-year period between 2009-2010.

The money that was embezzled was supposed to go to the Shriner's Hospital for Children; instead Geiger used it for personal use.

Hoff, the Center's former treasurer and a Certified Public Accountant, is charged with covering up the theft. Approximately $70,000 in cash and checks were found in the desk Hoff used at the Tripoli Shrine Center. Through withdrawals and unauthorized checks payable to himself, it's estimated that Hoff stole more than $24,000. If convicted, Geiger and Hoff both face a prison sentence of ten years.