A church administrator running for Clerk of Courts in Osceola County is wanted by Polk County detectives for stealing nearly $60,000 in church funds.
Polk County Sheriff’s deputies have an arrest warrant out of Oliver “Dan” Durfey, 56, of 669 Deauville Court in Kissimmee.
Investigators say, Durfey is facing one count of scheming to defraud, one count of grand theft and one count of illegal use of a credit card.
Investigators also say, Durfey was employed as the administrator for the First Baptist Church of Poinciana and that he used the church’s two checking accounts and one savings account from April 2010 to June 2012, for his own personal use. Durfey obtained a debit card for the account without the church’s knowledge or permission and used it during this 26-month time frame.
According to bank records, Durfey has stolen over $56,000 from the church, using the debit card for transactions and withdrawals.
Authorities say, Durfey also used church funds to pay for two booths at political venues for his campaign. His on-line Campaign Treasurer’s Report (4/1/2012 – 7/6/2012) shows two $5,000 “loans” from Dan Durfey dated 4/2/2012 and 6/1/2012. Investigation revealed that Durfey withdrew $5,000 from church’s checking account on 4/2/2012 and withdrew $9,000 from the church’s savings account on 5/31/2012.
Durfey is running for Clerk of Courts in Osceola County and that election is being held on August 14.
Authorities say, Durfey has a lengthy criminal arrest history to include forgery, vehicle theft and battery.
Deputies are asking for the public’s help in locating Durfey.
If you have any information or know where Durfey is we ask that you please call the Polk County Sheriff’s Office 863.298.6200 or your local law enforcement.
