ST. AUGUSTINE, Florida – The Florida State Attorney’s Office is investigating reported financial discrepancies within the St. Augustine Police Benevolent Organization, a private nonprofit funded by members of the St. Augustine Police Department.
St. Augustine Police Chief Jon Marston addressed the investigation in a statement released Wednesday, January 28, 2026, confirming that irregularities were identified in the organization’s financial accounts. The Police Benevolent Organization operates independently of the City of St. Augustine and the police department and is supported solely through voluntary contributions from SAPD officers.
According to the statement, the organization is not funded by taxpayers and is not a city-controlled entity. Its purpose is to provide financial assistance to officers and their families during times of need.
Former Assistant Police Chief Anthony Cuthbert served as treasurer of the benevolent organization beginning in 2003 and retired from the St. Augustine Police Department in November 2025. The financial discrepancies were discovered during a review of the organization’s accounts conducted shortly after his retirement.
The State Attorney’s Office is reviewing financial records spanning the past five years as part of its investigation. Authorities emphasized that the case remains active and ongoing.
Chief Marston stated that the City of St. Augustine and the police department have no authority over the administration or financial management of the benevolent organization. City officials and police leadership are cooperating fully with any requests related to the investigation.
Out of respect for due process and the integrity of the investigation, officials said no additional details will be released at this time.
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