Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) on Wednesday arrested Port St. Lucie Mayor Patricia Christensen, 53, and charged her with one count of official misconduct for falsification of an official record or document and one count of disposition of surplus funds by a candidate.
Christensen turned herself into the St. Lucie County Jail on Wednesday.
FDLE said that Christensen allegedly deposited approximately $3,800 from campaign funds into her personal account.
After receiving a complaint against Christensen alleging misappropriation of campaign funds, FDLE opened their investigation in October 2009. FDLE analysis of campaign records revealed that on at least two occasions, Christensen wrote a check to herself from campaign funds.
In June 2006, Christensen wrote a check for $2,500 from campaign funds made payable to herself and deposited it into her personal account. Following the election, Christensen deposited $1,318 of funds remaining in the campaign account and deposited it into her personal account.
Christensen admitted to investigators that she falsified her Campaign Treasurer Report. Investigators believe Christensen used the funds to pay personal bills and expenses.
FDLE’s investigation is ongoing.
