This hasn't been the most pleasant week for Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. First, somebody stole lumber from a house that the nonprofit was restoring. Now it's reporting that one of its employees allegedly took money from a retail store it runs in New Brighton.

Habitat officials declined to say how much money is missing from the Humanity ReStore at 510 W. County Road D, but said a man who has worked there for 2 1/2 years was fired after "a significant" amount of money was missing, and that results of an internal investigation were turned over to New Brighton police on Wednesday.

"It was enough to warrant bringing in an external investigator," said Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity President Susan Haigh. "It was enough to be worthy of prosecution."

It was not immediately clear what charges the suspect might face, she said.

Haigh said Habitat officials began investigating in May when money from the ReStore appeared to be missing. The store sells vendor returns, scratch-and-dent and overstock furniture, home accessories, building materials and appliances, as well as items donated by individuals. Proceeds go to build or rehab homes.

"The actions of this one employee are inexcusable," Haigh said. "They do not reflect the shared values and ethics we hold as an organization and as committed stewards of the resources entrusted to us by our donors and partners. This is an anomaly and should not reflect on our employees who work so hard."

Haigh said the man admitted to Habitat officials that he falsified records and misappropriated funds. Habitat is cooperating with the investigation, she said.

The news of the theft comes days after 75 pieces of lumber to be used for a Habitat for Humanity home-rehabilitation project were stolen in St. Paul, police said.

The lumber, valued at more than $1,000, was to be part of a new porch at 433 Whitall St. in the Payne-Phalen area on the East Side. It was taken sometime over the weekend.

Each year, Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity builds or rehabs 50 homes in the seven-county metro area.

Tim Harlow • 651-735-1824