Former St. Augustine Assistant Police Chief Anthony Cuthbert has been arrested on charges related to embezzling funds from a local police charity. Authorities allege Cuthbert diverted more than $40,000 from the St. Augustine Police Benevolent Organization, a nonprofit that supports officers and their families. According to SJCitizen, he was charged with grand theft exceeding $20,000 and an organized scheme to defraud under $50,000.
According to investigators, the alleged scheme occurred between January 2020 and December 2025, during which Cuthbert is accused of diverting funds from the charity to his personal accounts. The State Attorney’s Office reviewed several years of the Police Benevolent Organization’s financial records. First Coast News reports that the alleged misappropriation, which included checks and cash deposits, went undetected for nearly six years.
The St. Augustine Police Benevolent Organization expressed concern over the situation, calling it a breach of trust and saying the group is reviewing its processes and strengthening safeguards to ensure accountability and transparency.
Local attorney Chris Carson noted that if convicted, Cuthbert could face up to 15 years in prison. Carson added that investigators are likely to continue reviewing financial records and may seek additional evidence, including surveillance footage, to support the charges. He also noted that potential sentencing could take into account factors such as restitution.
While the St. Augustine Police Department is not directly linked to the management of the Police Benevolent Organization, they have expressed their full cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
