With the recent indictments of Joseph Krulis and Todd Park Merolla, the Cuckolds Fog Signal and Light Station Council can move forward with its original goal: rebuilding the historic light house. 

In September 2011, the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Department was alerted by a member of the Cuckold’s council about a possible taking of funds.

“An attorney representing the council contacted us and said that there had been misappropriated funds,” Lt. Michael Murphy said. “Our investigation started from there.”

According to Murphy, Krulis would allegedly write checks to Merolla, his partner, who would in turn cash them. Records show that more than $250,000 was stolen, but that some of the money was recouped. 

On September 11, the Lincoln County District Court charged Merolla, 65, and Krulis, 58, both of Southport, with one count apiece of Class B theft by unauthorized taking. The court alleges that Krulis and Merolla took the money from the Cuckolds Fog Signal and Light Station Council account on or between Dec. 1, 2009 to Sept. 2, 2011.

Krulis was the treasurer for the Cuckolds project, which was formed in 2007 and operated through donations. The goal of the Cuckolds project is to restore the lighthouse tower, lighthouse keepers’ quarters and bell tower.

If convicted, a Class B theft by unauthorized taking would carry a maximum sentence of 10 years in jail, plus fines and additional restitution.

Janet Reingold, Cuckolds Council vice president, said that the alleged embezzlement was a setback, but that the council was ready to move forward to its goal of a summer 2013 completion. 

“Now, a year after the embezzlement, we are pleased that the Grand Jury has handed up indictments,” Reingold said in an email. “We are confident that justice will be done in the Lincoln County courts.

“The Cuckolds organization has made significant progress in the recovery. But more contributed dollars should be clawed back from the embezzlers and the banks that benefited from these thefts.”

Project still slated for ’13 completion

The aim of the Cuckolds project is to restore the lighthouse and reopen it in 2013. Despite the embezzlement setback, Reingold said the project is still on course for a summer opening.

“Thanks to committed volunteers and generous donors, the Cuckolds is back on track to open to the public in the summer of 2013,” she said, adding that the restoration would be “somewhat more modest.”

But the alleged embezzlement was a temporary impediment, Reingold said.

“When trusted members of any organization violate their commitments and steal from a public charity, questions and challenges arise, changes are made, and ultimately new heroes emerge,” she said. “The team is committed to the Cuckolds rescue, and working into the winter to make up for lost time.”

With council and project leadership, volunteers, contributors and the reinstatement of a federal tax exemption, the project could go forward, Reingold said.

“In the end, we have rescued this historic light station, and are creating a special place for people to experience, learn and enjoy here on the coast of Maine, now and for generations to come,” said Reingold.

The telephone number for Krulis was disconnected, and Merolla did not return the Register’s phone calls.

Ben Bulkeley can be reached at 633-4620 and bbulkeley@boothbayregister.com. Follow him on Twitter: @BBRegisterBen.