An employee of the trust set up in memory of slain Tokyo bar hostess Lucie Blackman denied Tuesday that he stole money from the organization.
Matt Searle, 32, was arrested April 30 following allegations made by an former member of the Lucie Blackman Trust. Police are investigating suspicions Searle was involved in stealing $5,000.
"I completely deny the allegations. There's no money missing from the trust and I hope to have this cleared up as soon as possible," Searle said.
The trust also issued a statement saying, "The trustees have the highest regard for Mr. Searle's integrity and are deeply shocked and disappointed that his honesty should be called into question." Searle continues to work at the trust.