23-028 Sheriff Bob Gualtieri Holds Press Conference to Discuss the Arrest of a Seminole Attorney
ECU Arrest
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
- Economic Crimes Unit
- Tactical Investigation Section
Christopher Michael Reynolds (Arrested)
DOB: 06/10/1978
Address: 8500 Belcher Road North, Unit 104, Pinellas Park.
Charges: Money Laundering & Grand Theft
PINELLAS COUNTY – On February 27, 2023, Sheriff Gualtieri held a press conference to discuss the arrest of a Seminole lawyer. Detectives assigned to the Economic Crimes Unit (ECU) arrested 44-year-old Christopher Michael Reynolds of Pinellas Park on multiple charges of money laundering and grand theft.
Reynolds operated a personal injury law firm in Seminole, targeting individuals who were victims of personal injury. Reynolds would be retained by the victims, settle their case with the insurance providers, and fail to pay the victim’s medical bills or provide the victim their settlement money. Reynolds would procure the settlement money from the insurance providers for his own benefit.
The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office was notified in October of 2022 by one of the victims, who stated Reynolds abruptly stopped communicating with them and never paid their medical bills or received compensation.
Sheriff Bob Gualtieri stated, “They’re licensed to practice law, they’ve got the boxes checked, they’ve got the credentials, they’ve got the credibility that goes with that, and they’re really just a thief who is ripping them off.”
A total of 16 victims have been identified, with a combined theft amount of over $840,000.00.
If you have any information regarding this case or believe you are a victim, please contact Detective Kakalow at 727-582-6786.
The investigation continues.
To view the entire press conference, visit: https://youtu.be/9KjYljCYyrg
