APALACHICOLA, Fla. — A former restaurant manager has been arrested for allegedly stealing more than $32,000 from a local business, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
Patrick Alan Kelly, 60, of Apalachicola, was arrested March 20 in Tallahassee for organized fraud. Investigators said he was the manager of the restaurant until December 2024 and abruptly resigned after being questioned about business checks written out to “cash.”
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The investigation began in January when the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) asked FDLE to assist with a reported embezzlement case. According to FDLE, at least 43 checks totaling $32,318 were made out to “cash” and were said to have been signed and endorsed by Mr Kelly.
“It’s shameful for a person of trust working for a local business to victimize their employer. Crime against businesses not only hurt business owners, they also hurt patrons and the community,” said FDLE Tallahassee Special Agent in Charge Keith Wilmer.
“I am proud of the work FDLE’s agents and Franklin County Sheriff’s Office put into this investigation.”
Franklin County Sheriff AJ “Tony” Smith added, “We appreciate the partnership with FDLE and their assistance with this case. This partnership is especially important when investigating very complex financial crimes that require specialized expertise and resources.”
Mr Kelly was booked into the Leon County Jail without bond. The Office of the State Attorney is prosecuting the case for the Second Judicial Circuit.
FDLE noted that Kelly had previously been arrested in January for possession of child sexual abuse material. The organized fraud investigation remains active.
The case is being handled by the FDLE Tallahassee office with assistance from FCSO and the Florida Highway Patrol.
