NEW GLOUCESTER – A former commander of a New Gloucester-based veterans’ group was arrested Monday for the theft of $8,900 from the organization.

According to the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Peter Ross Bragdon continued to access a bank account belonging to the Sons of American Veterans group, which is located at 858 Lewiston Road in New Gloucester, after his membership was revoked. While his affiliation with the organization was terminated, his name had remained on the account, police said.

Bragdon was arrested on theft charges is being held at Cumberland County Jail on a $2,500 cash bail, pending arraignment.

The Sons of American Veterans, or Sons of AMVETS, is a national organization open to male descendants of military veterans, according to the group’s website. The New Gloucester group is a local chapter.

Peter Ross Bragdon