More on the Andrew Reyes story from the Charlotte Observer - Reyes faces charges of fraud:
Andrew Reyes, the former Mecklenburg Democratic chairman missing for 17 months, is in a San Diego jail today wearing a khaki jumpsuit and facing charges in what investigators say could be one of Charlotte's biggest embezzlements.The only problem was the money wasn't his. Apparently he was "managing" the money of the wealthy former owner of a large construction company. When the gentleman died, the heirs wondered where all the money went. Then Reyes took it on the lam. But he still has friends.
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As late as 1997, Reyes was a relative unknown in Charlotte. A year later, he was dining at the White House. In 1999, he was elected Mecklenburg party chairman and was named by Gov. Jim Hunt to the state Advisory Council on Hispanic/Latino Affairs.
He boasted of friendships with John F. Kennedy Jr. and actress Ellen DeGeneres. He brought another Kennedy -- Maryland Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend -- to a Charlotte rally.
At the root of his popularity was money.
He gave generously, at least $281,000 to Democrats, thousands to local nonprofits and, one Valentine's Day, $2,000 worth of flowers to friends from Charlotte to Hollywood.
Current Mecklenburg Democratic Chairman John Cotham said "We're delighted that he's alive. ... He always seemed like a kind guy who seemed concerned about bringing people and the party together."Was he kind to puppies too?
