Museum director charged with embezzlement

PHILADELPHIA, May 22 (UPI) -- The ex-president of a Philadelphia museum allegedly stole more than $1 million while building himself a carriage house and wooden boat with the museum's money.

John Carter, who received a salary of $300,000 a year and lived in a Philadelphia house owned by the Independence Seaport Museum, charged many of his personal expenses, federal prosecutors said. In his expenses, he described a suit costing $1,100 as "marine water pumps," a $935 root canal as "boat supplies," and $6,400 in health-club fees as "meetings," The Philadelphia Inquirer reported.

Federal prosecutors who believe Carter embezzled more than $1 million, filed documents Monday charging him with fraud and tax evasion.

Carter's attorneys reportedly are negotiating a guilty plea and contesting the amount of money involved.

"There are a lot of positives to Mr. Carter that we hope to bring to the court's attention," said Mark Cedrone, one of his attorneys.

Peter McCausland, the museum's board chairman, said the museum hopes to recover much of the money.