Polk County Church Administrator Wanted for Arrest in Embezzlement of His Employer
A former church administrator named Oliver ‘Dan' Durfey is facing a variety of charges including scheming to defraud and grand theft.
There has been a warrant issued but deputies have been unable to locate the 54-year-old so far.
According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the former church employee committed the alleged crimes over a 26-month period beginning in April 2010. Investigators say Durfey was employed by the First Baptist Church of Poinciana, located in Polk County.
Investigators say the suspect used church funds for personal use and obtained a debit card which Durfey used to purchase over $56,000 in goods and services.
Durfey's position in the church gave him access to two of the church's checking accounts and a savings account.
Furthermore, investigators say Mr. Durfey used church funds to pay for two booths at political venues during his campaign. Investigators say they found he is a candidate for clerk of the court in Osceola County. Durfey is one of four Republicans on Tuesday's primary ballot.
Durfey made claims on his on-line Campaign Treasurer's Report, stating he took out two personal loans totaling $10,000. The church has confirmed from bank records that indicate those particular funds came from their accounts and not the suspects. Source
UPDATE on August 14, 2012:
Durfey candidate for clerk of the court in Osceola County turned himself in to the Hardee County Sheriff's Office Sunday and was arrested on charges of fraud and grand theft. Source
