21-081 Detectives Arrest Palm Harbor Man for Scheme to Defraud

Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
-Economic Crimes Unit

Walter Anderson (Suspect – Arrested)
DOB: 7/21/1944
Address: 2336 Malcolm Drive, Palm Harbor       
Charge: One count of Felony Scheme to Defraud

PINELLAS COUNTY – Detectives assigned to the Economic Crimes Unit have arrested 76-year-old Walter Anderson for one count of Scheme to Defraud. Anderson was the executive director for FEAST from 2002 until approximately June 2020 and embezzled more than $92,000 in donated funds from the organization.

Detectives were made aware of the theft after the new president of the organization learned of a bank account in the organization’s name. When Anderson was questioned by the new president, he told them he used the bank account for his own personal use and “reimbursed” himself for a loan he provided to the organization.

FEAST is a non-profit business that serves the needy families of north Pinellas County with food staples and assistance in finding special services.

Investigators interviewed Anderson who admitted to using the FEAST account to pay for his own expenses. Anderson paid for car repairs, paid off his credit cards, hired tree services, and paid for roof repairs to his home. 

Anderson was arrested and charged with one count of Felony Scheme to Defraud (over $50,000) and was transported to the Pinellas County Jail.

The investigation continues.