Authorities say Michael W. Jones raised money in Mississippi and Louisiana for his cancer-stricken son, but spent the cash on illegal drugs for himself.

Jones, a 42-year-old man from Liberty, Miss., was being held Friday in Louisiana on a $10,000 bond. Concordia Parish authorities charged him with felony theft by fraud Oct. 18.

Jones’ public defender did not immediately respond to a message Friday.

Investigators say Jones sold tickets for lunches in Concordia Parish, St. Francisville and Kentwood in Louisiana and in Natchez, Miss., but never delivered the food. Some residents said they gave cash donations.

The sheriff’s office is working to extradite 41-year-old Jillinda Leggett of Gloster, Miss. She’s being held in Mississippi on a false pretense charge. Authorities say they believe Leggett was involved with the scam, but they haven’t said how.