PORTLAND — A former Lewiston man known for his service to veterans and their families is accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars from the nonprofit he created, according to authorities.

Marcel Badeau, the founder of Operation Tribute, was under investigation for fraud when he committed suicide last month, officials said.

According to the documents released by the U.S. District Court, Badeau raised over $1 million for his nonprofit over the course of five years. Now there’s reason to believe he used $750,000 for his personal benefit.

Badeau, who was born and raised in Lewiston and attended Saint Dominic Academy, received numerous awards and recognitions for his work helping military families through his nonprofit organization, Operation Tribute.

Nearly a month after his death, he’s the focus of a federal investigation. Records show Badeau allegedly used donated money for himself and his family.

Badeau is accused of using more than $230,000 in cash, $138,000 in mortgage payments, more than $25,000 for personal cars and $7,000 spent at New Hampshire state liquor stores.

Documents obtained from Thomas College allegedly show Badeau provided false information for his child’s financial aid package by underreporting income, savings and investments.

The investigation also showed Badeau allegedly used $24,000 of donated funds for his child’s tuition.

The FBI agent investigating the case said Badeau did all of this through a side company. A forensic investigation revealed Badeau laundered money through Top Shelf Collectibles and deposited money in his wife’s bank account for personal purchases.

Operation Tribute board members would not comment on the information released and the nonprofit’s lawyer could not be reached.

It is unclear if Badeau’s wife will face criminal charges in this case.