Biology professor charged for stealing at least $300K meant for shark research: police
BRADENTON, Fla. (WFLA) — Bradenton police arrested a Biology professor and researcher on Tuesday who stole more than $300,000 dedicated to shark and stingray research.
Christine Bedore, 44, a biology professor employed at Georgia Southern University, traveled from Georgia to Bradenton to turn herself in.
Winter Haven man points gun at couple in Burger King parking lot: police
Police detective Michael Carpenter began an investigation on Bedore in November 2023 after the non-profit’s, American Elasmobranch Society, president found that she was stealing from their organization’s checking and savings account.
The nonprofit works with students and researchers in marine biology with sharks and stingrays.
“She appeared to be putting her own personal interests, above the work of other scientists,” Meredith Censullo, the PIO with the Bradenton Police Department said.
Bedore was the organization’s former treasurer since 2018. Over the past five years, officials said she made several electronic transfers and transactions of more than $300,000 to use on personal expenses.
Police said these expenses included medical procedures, a car, subscription services, items on Amazon, utilities, pet insurance, travel, entertainment, and laboratory specimens and equipment.
“The point of that society is to continue to improve on scientific research and to foster research among younger generations of students,” Censullo added. “She actually ended up possibly hurting that research because she put her personal desires above the scientific community.”
Bedore is being charged with felony scheming to defraud of more than $50,000 and criminal use of personal identification of more than $100,000.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Detective Michael Carpenter at michael.carpenter@bradentonpd.com or report it anonymously to Crime Stoppers at manateecrimestoppers.com or 866-634-8477.
This remains an ongoing investigation.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
