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A former senior officer of the St. Augustine Police Department finds himself in legal trouble as authorities probe financial irregularities within a police-affiliated nonprofit.
In ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla., Anthony Cuthbert, who once served as the Assistant Police Chief in St. Augustine, has been taken into custody. This development follows an investigation by the State Attorney’s Office concerning suspicious financial activity linked to the St. Augustine Police Benevolent Organization, a nonprofit supported by police officers.
Cuthbert, aged 57, faces charges that include grand theft of over $20,000 and orchestrating a scheme to defraud involving less than $50,000. According to official records, he was detained at the Putnam County jail on Tuesday at 1:24 p.m. but was released shortly after, at 2:31 p.m.
Details from the arrest warrant reveal that between January 1, 2020, and December 2, 2025, Cuthbert allegedly misappropriated $22,722 from the organization. During this period, he served as the treasurer—a role he held since 2003—until his retirement from the police department in November 2025.
The warrant also outlines findings from a fraud examination, which indicated that 177 checks were issued by the organization to Cuthbert. These checks were reportedly signed, endorsed, and deposited into his personal bank account. Additionally, investigators suspect that $17,632 in cash deposits made into his personal account may have originated from the organization.
The St. Augustine Police Benevolent Organization operates independently of the city and the St. Augustine Police Department, and is not supported by taxpayer dollars, the police department told First Coast News. The group provides financial assistance to officers and their families during times of need.
Police said the city and the department have no authority over or involvement in the administration or financial management of the benevolent organization and are cooperating fully with the investigation.