A former St. Augustine assistant police chief is facing an investigation for allegedly misappropriating more than $40,000 from the department’s police benevolent fund. Anthony Cuthbert, who retired in November 2025 after more than 20 years with the St. Augustine Police Department, is charged with felonies related to what prosecutors describe as a prolonged scheme to misuse the officer-funded charity. The allegations have prompted the State Attorney’s Office to review years of Police Benevolent Organization records.
Prosecutors say the alleged misappropriated amount totals $40,354, and Cuthbert was charged on February 9 with grand theft and an organized scheme to defraud, according to News4JAX. The outlet reports that the State Attorney’s Office filed an affidavit that resulted in the two felony charges.
State filings show that the St. Augustine Police Benevolent Organization operates as a private, officer-funded nonprofit with a King Street address, and corporate records list Cuthbert in management roles. State incorporation records and local reporting indicate the PBO was established in the early 2000s, with Cuthbert serving as treasurer from around 2003 until his retirement in November 2025. His departure from the department was noted at the time by Historic City News.
Investigators' findings
An affidavit filed in 7th Circuit Court details investigators’ findings, including 177 checks made out to the PBO that were allegedly signed, endorsed, and deposited into Cuthbert’s personal bank account. The affidavit identifies roughly $22,722 from those checks as used for personal purposes and another $17,632 in suspected PBO cash deposits, totaling the cited $40,354. It also notes that Cuthbert gave a non-custodial interview on January 22, 2026, during which he acknowledged making what he described as loans to himself, which he said he intended to repay.
Response and next steps
Cuthbert’s attorney, Terry Shoemaker, said his client is cooperating with the State Attorney’s investigation and criticized the department for publicizing details of the probe, according to local reporting. Shoemaker added that Cuthbert is embarrassed by the situation.
The St. Augustine Police Department and the City say they have no authority over PBO finances and are cooperating with requests from prosecutors. The benevolent fund is supported by voluntary contributions and does not receive taxpayer funding.
Why this matters
The PBO is designed to assist officers and their families during times of crisis, so any alleged misappropriation directly affects the colleagues who contribute to the fund. Local nonprofit records indicate the organization was incorporated in the early 2000s and operates independently of city oversight. Prosecutors are reviewing internal accounts to determine the full extent of any potential loss. Nonprofit filings list the PBO’s registered mailing address and outline its reporting requirements.
Legal details
Cuthbert currently faces two felony charges—grand theft and an organized scheme to defraud—filed in the 7th Judicial Circuit. How the case proceeds, including any restitution or potential additional charges, will depend on the ongoing review by the State Attorney’s Office. Local reporting notes that the office has declined to comment while the investigation remains active.
