Original Blog Entry: Man arrested for stealing from cancer patients

truesee — Sun, 01 May 2011 23:52:53 GMT

Man accused of stealing from cancer patients

Christian De La Rosa

Reporter

Last Updated: Saturday, April 30, 2011 9:02 PM

OSCEOLA COUNTY --

A group of Relay for Life volunteers is infuriated after part of the money they raised for cancer patients was stolen.

It happened during a vigil to remember those who had lost the battle against the disease when one of their bank bags disappeared.

Lois Peter from Saint Cloud said she and others became suspicious of one of the team members, Christopher Charland.

Rayzor's Edge team leader, Traudi Rayzor said a friend confronted Charland when she saw something that looked like a bag between his waist and pants. Rayzor said the woman then pulled out the bank bag from inside Charlands' pants.

Witness said the crowd pinned Charland down until the police arrived. The police arrested him and took him to jail. Charland now faces grand theft charges.

The Relay for Life group did get the lost money back and despite the incident, members reached their goal, raising more than $3,000.

Many however are still in disbelief that someone would be capable of stealing from cancer patients.

The team's leader is now considering running background checks before selecting team members next year.

Christopher Charland, Relay for Life robbery, Rayzor's Edge, Saint Cloud

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