A biology professor featured in National Geographic has been charged with stealing more than $300,000 earmarked for shark and stingray research and using it for himself, police said.
Christine Bedore, 44, a Georgia native and professor and researcher at Georgia Southern University, surrendered to police in Bradenton, Florida, on Tuesday.
Bedore also worked as treasurer for the American Elasmobranch Society (AES), a nonprofit organization that studies the marine biology of sharks and stingrays.
AES’ president told police in November that he had been extorting money from checking and savings accounts. According to the police.
Police said Bedore made transactions totaling at least $300,000 over a five-year period, using them for personal expenses including “medical procedures, cars, subscription services, utilities, pet insurance, travel, entertainment, etc.” It is said that he was
Police said Bedore was charged with conspiracy to defraud a person of more than $50,000 and using personal identifying information of more than $100,000, both first-degree felonies.
AES told WFLA In a statement Wednesday, it said news of Bedore’s arrest was “deeply disappointing.”
“However, our members continue to perform important research and conservation work that supports our mission,” the group said. “Our commitment to supporting the next generation of scientists in the discovery and conservation of sharks, skates and rays remains strong.”
Georgia Southern University said it was following its own policies to address the situation.
