The Columbus Police Department has arrested a Columbus man for allegedly embezzling $89,000 from Horse Creek Masonic Lodge in Columbus.

Tony Lyn Grigg was arrested on Wednesday, June 20 following a lengthy investigation.
Grigg, 54, of 10 Fox Meadows Lane, Columbus, was charged with seven counts of feloniously obtaining property by false pretenses, seven counts of felony embezzlement and seven counts of felony corporate malfeasance, according to police reports.
The charges stem from allegations that Grigg utilized his position as the lodge’s treasurer to illegally acquire and use the funds.
Grigg is accused of taking money from the lodge over a span of time from 2006 through 2012, police reports said.
Members of the lodge, located across the street from the Polk County courthouse, noticed suspicious activity in March. The Columbus Police Department began its investigation on April 5, according to the police department. The masonic lodge hired retired N.C. State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) CPA R. Lawrence Young to assist in the investigation.
“The Masonic lodge was very helpful and gave us everything we needed,” said Columbus Police Chief Chris Beddingfield.
The N.C. Highway Patrol also assisted the police department by arresting Grigg on a traffic stop.
Grigg is being held at the Polk County Jail under a $20,000 secured bond. His first court appearance was scheduled for yesterday, Thursday, June 21.