HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. — A former treasurer of the Hillsborough County Republican Party was arrested after officials said he stole more than $14,000 from the organization.
Following an investigation, 50-year-old Patrick Bailey was taken into custody Thursday on charges of false entry in the books of a business entity and third-degree grand theft ($10,000 - $20,000.)
Deputies said Bailey wrote himself personal checks from the party's business account and electronically transferred funds to his personal bank account. In total, Bailey reportedly stole $14,400 from the organization.
"When someone exploits their position to take what doesn't belong to them, it hurts the organization and the people who trusted them," Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. "Our detectives worked diligently to uncover the truth and hold this individual accountable. We hope this serves as a reminder that trust and integrity are the foundations of our community, and we are here to protect them."
The Hillsborough County Republican Party provided 10 Tampa Bay with the following statement:
“We are deeply disappointed by the criminal actions of our former treasurer. However, we are determined that this single incident will not overshadow the hard work the Hillsborough County Republican Party has accomplished, nor will it keep us from the important goals we are committed to achieving for our Party in the future leading up to the midterm elections.”
