The former Hillsborough County Republican Party Treasurer was arrested for illegally transferring funds and writing himself personal checks from the organization’s business account.
In December, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office’s Economic Crimes Section arrested 50-year-old Patrick Bailey off Lake Drive in Brandon near Tampa.
Through investigative means, detectives determined Bailey wrote himself checks from the Hillsborough County Republican Party business account and electronically transferred funds to his personal bank account.
He removed $14,400.00 from the business account, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office stated.
According to local law enforcement, Bailey was taken into custody without incident and is facing charges of False Entry in Books of Business Entity and Grand Theft Third Degree ($10,000 – $20,000).
“When someone exploits their position to take what doesn’t belong to them, it hurts the organization and the people who trusted them,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “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.”
