PALM COAST, Fla. – A City of Palm Coast animal control officer was arrested Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, after investigators determined she used a city-issued credit card to pay a $386.64 veterinary bill for her personal dog and later attempted to have the animal’s account transferred to the city, according to the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office.
Chelsie Willis, 36, of Fort McCoy, was charged with fraudulent use of a credit card involving an amount greater than $100.
The investigation began Oct. 15 after employees at East Coast Animal Hospital alerted city officials about an unauthorized transaction involving Willis and her dog, Layla.
Investigators Say Officer Used City Credit Card for Personal Veterinary Expenses
According to the sheriff’s office, Willis visited East Coast Animal Hospital on Sept. 18 for a veterinary appointment involving her personal dog.
During the visit, investigators said Willis used her city-issued credit card to pay expenses associated with the City of Palm Coast’s account.
She then allegedly used the same credit card to pay charges on her personal veterinary account.
Detectives with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office General Assignment Unit reviewed records from the veterinary hospital and the city.
Those records confirmed an unauthorized charge of $386.64 for veterinary expenses associated with Willis’ personal dog, according to investigators.
Employee Allegedly Tried to Move Dog’s Account to City Account
The investigation also uncovered an alleged attempt to change the veterinary clinic’s records weeks after the transaction.
Witnesses told investigators that Willis returned to East Coast Animal Hospital on Oct. 6 and requested that her dog’s account be removed from her personal account and transferred to the City of Palm Coast’s account.
Clinic employees refused the request, explaining that the change would violate company policy and constitute falsification of records.
Employees subsequently notified city administrators about their concerns, prompting the criminal investigation.
After reviewing the financial records and witness statements, detectives arrested Willis on Oct. 16.
Sheriff Calls Alleged Misuse of Public Funds a Betrayal of Trust
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly criticized the alleged use of taxpayer-funded resources for personal expenses.
“This arrest was the result of a series of very poor decisions that evolved into an attempted cover up. Public service is a privilege, not a personal piggy bank,” Staly said.
He said the arrest demonstrates that allegations of fraud involving public funds will be investigated regardless of the suspect’s employment.
Staly also praised East Coast Animal Hospital employees for reporting the questionable transactions and credited investigators for their work on the case.
Palm Coast Officials Condemn Alleged Misconduct
City of Palm Coast Deputy City Manager Jim Macfarlane said the city acted immediately after learning of the suspected misuse of public funds.
“The City takes the misuse of public funds extremely seriously. When we learned of the potential misconduct, we acted immediately and worked with the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office to complete the investigation and ensure appropriate action was taken,” Macfarlane said.
“This behavior is disappointing and does not reflect the integrity and accountability we expect of every City employee.”
Macfarlane thanked the sheriff’s office for its assistance in investigating the allegations.
The city has not publicly disclosed whether Willis has been suspended, terminated or placed on administrative leave following her arrest.
Willis Booked Into Flagler County Jail
Willis was transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility following her arrest.
According to the sheriff’s office, she was being held on a $2,500 bond.