TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Tallahassee Police Department has arrested an Illinois man following a wide-ranging fraud investigation that uncovered the theft of millions of dollars, including funds belonging to the City of Tallahassee.
After an extensive investigation, detectives arrested Richard N. Golding of Buffalo Grove, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Golding is charged with two counts of wire fraud, money laundering, grand theft, and attempted grand theft, police said.
Investigators determined Golding knowingly participated in the receipt of approximately $2.35 million in stolen funds and helped facilitate the international transfer of money to a Mexican bank on behalf of an unidentified criminal network. Authorities said the City of Tallahassee was one of several victims targeted in the scheme.
“No crime is faceless,” said Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell. “Someone sought to harm each member of this community by stealing public dollars. Thanks to the expertise, tireless dedication, and persistence of our investigators, $1.4 million was recovered for the citizens of Tallahassee, and justice will be served.”
Police described the investigation as complex and far-reaching, involving digital financial transactions that crossed multiple state and international boundaries. Detectives conducted an in-depth analysis of financial records and evidence to trace the movement of funds and identify those involved, while ensuring evidence was lawfully obtained and suitable for prosecution.
The case required coordination among multiple agencies and jurisdictions. Authorities said the investigation ultimately led to Golding’s arrest and the recovery of a substantial portion of the stolen funds.
Agencies involved in the investigation included the Tallahassee Police Department, the State Attorney Jack Campbell’s Office, the United States Secret Service, and the U.S. Marshals Service.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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