The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A longtime fire department battalion chief in Florida was arrested on 29 felony counts after a lengthy investigation allegedly implicated him in financial fraud, unlawful surveillance, and stalking.
In September 2024, it was reported that suspicions were raised about the financial management of a regional urban search and rescue task force. Upon an initial investigation, the authorities believed that discrepancies had occurred because the battalion chief, who had overseen the program for about seven years, allegedly used task force credit cards for personal shopping. Investigators claim that between 2019 and 2024, more than $47,000 was spent on non-job-related items from online retailers and storage companies. When they looked further into the situation, the authorities alleged the man attempted to manipulate financial records to conceal the purchases.
As the inquiry continued, investigators also uncovered evidence that the chief had purchased hidden cameras and GPS tracking devices with the same accounts tied to the fraudulent spending. Authorities believe the devices were concealed in private areas to record individuals without their knowledge. The GPS tracker was reportedly used to monitor specific people, leading to aggravated stalking charges.
In January 2025, search warrants were executed at the chief’s residence and fire department office. Investigators seized electronic devices and other property believed to have been purchased with misused funds.
The chief was taken into custody and booked into county jail. He is facing a total of 29 felony counts, including scheme to defraud, grand theft, money laundering, official misconduct, unlawful interception of communications, aggravated stalking, battery, unlawful use of a tracking device, digital voyeurism dissemination, and multiple counts of video voyeurism. The case is being prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office in the 20th Judicial Circuit.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a theft offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.