A South Florida man is behind bars after authorities said he stole over $400,000 from an Episcopal church in Key Biscayne.
Francisco Gomez, 29, appeared in criminal court Friday to face charges of grand theft and organized scheme to defraud, accused of taking money from St. Christopher’s-By-the-Sea.
Gomez had authorized administrative access to the church’s bank accounts and made electronic transfers to his own personal account over the course of nine months, police said.
According to investigators, more than $400,000 were transferred from the church’s accounts without authorization from church leaders.
Court documents list Gomez as having worked as a financial consultant for a company in Coral Gables.
The judge gave Gomez a $20,000 bond and wanted to make sure the posted bond money isn’t part of the funds Gomez allegedly stole. He was also ordered to stay away from the church.
Court records show Gomez went through a divorce in early 2024, and at the time, owed upwards of $25,000 in student loans and other debts. The alleged theft from the church began six months after his divorce was final.
Gomez’s attorney told the judge he is a South Florida native with no prior criminal history.
“This is someone who has no prior record, and extensive ties, has no reason to flee,” his attorney said. “As you can see, reading the arrest affidavit, he was arrested without incident and was cooperative.”
Gomez posted bond and was set to walk out of jail on Friday.
Want more insights? Join Working Title - our career elevating newsletter and get the future of work delivered weekly.
