A biology professor who had been featured on National Geographic was charged with stealing more than $300,000 that had been dedicated to shark and stingray research and spending it on herself, according to police.
Georgia native Christine Bedore, 44, a professor and researcher at Georgia Southern University, surrendered to police in Bradenton, Florida on Tuesday.
Bedore also worked as a treasurer at the non-profit organization American Elasmobranch Society (AES), which does research in marine biology with sharks and stingrays.
The president of AES told cops in November that had been bilking money from its checking and savings accounts, according to police.
Over five years, Bedore made transactions totaling at least $300,000 that she used for personal expenses, “including medical procedures, a vehicle, subscription services, utilities, pet insurance, travel, entertainment, and more,” cops said.
Bedore is charged with scheming to defraud more than $50,000 and criminal use of personal identification in excess of $100,000 — both first-degree felonies, according to police.
AES told WFLA in a statement on Wednesday that the news of Bedore’s arrest was “very unfortunate.”
“However, our members are continuing with the important research and conservation work that supports our mission,” the organization said. “Our dedication to support the next generation of scientists in the discovery and conservation of sharks, skates and rays will continue to remain strong.”
Georgia Southern University said it is following its own policies to address the situation.
