Investigations Into Fraud, Forgery, and Other Financial Crimes In Pinellas County and Penalties You Could Face
Financial crimes in Pinellas County are taken seriously by both police and prosecutors. The Pinellas County Economic Crimes Unit often gets involved in these cases and investigates offenses such as fraud, forgery, embezzlement, and identity theft.
Facing these types of criminal charges is a serious matter, and a conviction can result in harsh penalties. Our Clearwater criminal defense attorney explains more about these cases and the consequences you could face.
Common Types of Cases The Pinellas County Economic Crimes Unit Investigates
The Pinellas County Economic Crimes Unit is a specialized division in the Sheriff’s Office that investigates alleged criminal activity involving detailed financial records, electronic evidence, and multiple victims. A recent example is a case involving a City of St. Pete Beach employee.
In August 2025, detectives with the unit uncovered numerous unauthorized city gas card charges totaling more than $3,000. The employee was arrested in early September 2025, charged with fraud, and transported to the Pinellas County Jail.
In addition to financial fraud, other cases the Economic Crimes Unit investigates include:
- Embezzlement, often from employers, nonprofits, or trusts;
- Identity theft and use of stolen personal information;
- Insurance fraud, including staged accidents or false claims;
- Forgery and check fraud;
- Ponzi schemes or investment fraud;
- Contractor fraud in home repair or construction disputes.
Financial crime accusations can result in state and federal charges, depending on the scope and who was affected. Even if the amount seems small, the consequences can be severe.
Potential Penalties and Consequences of Economic Crimes In Pinellas County
Economic or “white collar” crimes are often categorized as felonies under the Florida Statutes, and penalties increase with the dollar amount involved. As they can cause financial harm to innocent people in the community and betray public trust, prosecutors are rigorous in holding those at fault accountable.
Being accused of an economic crime can have serious consequences on every area of your life, and convictions carry harsh penalties. These include:
- Probation to lengthy prison sentences;
- Restitution, requiring repayment to alleged victims;
- Fines and court costs that can add up to thousands of dollars;
- Loss of professional licenses, affecting careers in finance, healthcare, or other regulated industries;
- A permanent criminal record, damaging your reputation in the community and limiting future opportunities;
Accused of Financial Crimes in Pinellas County? Contact Our Experienced Clearwater Criminal Defense Attorney
If you are accused of financial crimes in Pinellas County or are under investigation by the Economic Crimes Unit, the worst mistake you can make is waiting to see how things play out. These cases involve months of detailed evidence collection, and prosecutors push for convictions.
At The Reep Law Firm, we understand what is at stake and fight to protect you against often harsh consequences. To get the strong legal defense you need to protect your rights and avoid criminal penalties, contact our office. Request a consultation today with our experienced Clearwater criminal defense attorney.
Sources:
pinellassheriff.gov/Contents/ContentItems/
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0775/Sections/0775.0844.html
