‘SharkFest’ biology professor accused of stealing at least $300K from Bradenton non-profit

BRADENTON, Fla. - A Georgia Southern University biology professor who was featured on National Geographic Channel's "SharkFest" has been arrested after police say she stole hundreds of thousands of dollars from a Bradenton non-profit organization dedicated to shark and stingray research. 

According to the Bradenton Police Department, Christine Bedore, 44, has been charged with felony scheming to defraud more than $50,000 and criminal use of personal identification of more than $100,000. Both charges are first-degree felonies. 

"Dr. Bedore is highly published. She is clearly smart and clearly in support of the marine biology community as is the non-profit that she volunteered her time to as it’s treasurer for over 5 years. Unfortunately, while Dr. Bedore seems to be a very well-educated marine biologist very passionate about her work, she appeared to be putting her own personal desires above the work of other scientists," said Meredith Censullo, the public information officer for the Bradenton Police Department. 

Police say Bedore traveled from Georgia to Bradenton to turn herself in on Tuesday.

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Detectives began investigating Bedore in November 2023, after the American Elasmobranch Society (AES) president said Bedore was stealing from the non-profit's checking and savings accounts.

"To lose at least 300,000 dollars because someone wanted to put a down payment on a car, or have a surgery or subscribe to personal services that has to be very insulting to the scientific community to which she was apart of," said Censullo.

Bedore had been the treasurer of AES since 2018. AES, which uses a Bradenton mailing address, but has members across the country.

According to BPD, financial subpoenas indicate that for more than five years, Bedore made numerous electronic transfers and transactions totaling at least $300,000 and used the money for personal expenses, including medical procedures, a vehicle, subscription services, utilities, pet insurance, travel, entertainment, and more.

"The point of that society is to continue to improve on scientific research and to foster research among younger generations of students, and she actually ended up possibly hurting that research because she put her own personal desires above of the scientific community," said Censullo.

In a statement to FOX 13, the past president of the American Elasmobranch Society said: 

"The American Elasmobranch Society is a non-profit organization that seeks to advance the scientific study of living and fossil sharks, skates, rays, and chimaeras, and the promotion of education, conservation, and wise utilization of natural resources. In November, 2023 the American Elasmobranch Society confirmed it was the victim of financial fraud. On Tuesday, February 27, 2024 the former American Elasmobranch Society treasurer, Dr. Christine Bedore, turned herself into the Bradenton, Florida Police Department in connection to this finding. She has been charged with felony scheming to defraud in excess of $50,000 and criminal use of personal identification in excess of $100,000. Both charges are first-degree felonies. This information has been made public by the Bradenton Police Department. This news is very unfortunate. However, our members are continuing with the important research and conservation work that supports our mission. Our dedication to support the next generation of scientists in the discovery and conservation of sharks, skates and rays will continue to remain strong."

Financial documents also indicate unauthorized transactions for laboratory specimens and equipment used by Bedore, according to police. 

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The case is still under investigation. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Michael Carpenter at michael.carpenter@bradentonpd.com. Tipsters who want to remain anonymous are asked to log ontoCrime Stoppers at manateecrimestoppers.com or call 866-634-8477.

Georgia Southern University told FOX 13 in a statement:

"We are aware of an ongoing investigation that has led to the arrest of an employee. The University is working with authorities and following our own policies to work through this situation."

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