MELBOURNE, Florida — Earlier today, members of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Economic Crimes Task Force arrested 32-year-old Christie Burkey Hunt at her residence located at 1382 Vestavia Circle in Melbourne, Florida.
Agents charged Hunt with crimes committed under the Florida Money Laundering Act. Hunt was taken to the Brevard County Jail where she is being held under $940,000 bond. The investigation was initiated in early April of this year after the Task Force received a complaint from Hunt’s former employer.
Investigators say that Hunt, while working as the office manager for a Medical Group operating in Titusville, Florida, allegedly embezzled over $650,000.00 over a two-year period. Investigators also say that evidence demonstrated that Hunt diverted funds from the business into shell corporations under her name, as well as opened and used credit cards and lines of credit without permission of the owners.
Hunt allegedly used the money to rent an upscale home, buy furnishings and electronics as well as the purchase of two 2014 Audi Q7 automobiles. At the time of Hunt’s arrest, members of the Economic Crimes Unit served a search warrant at her residence and seized property and vehicles from the home that are believed to have been the proceeds of her alleged illegal enterprise.
“This Task Force concept is making an incredible difference in the way Brevard investigates Identity theft and fraud related cases,” Sheriff Wayne Ivey stated. “I can’t thank the participating agencies enough for providing such valuable resources to combat this worldwide type of devastating crime.”
The Economic Crimes Task Force is comprised of investigators from the Sheriff’s Office, Titusville Police Department, Melbourne Police Department and a staff attorney from the State Attorney’s Office. Leading this investigation for the Task Force was Detective Sara Kane of the Titusville Police Department.
American Express, one of the victims of the alleged fraudulent purchases, has decided to donate any property recovered to a deserving charity in Brevard County. BCSO said in a statement that, per American Express’ wishes, those items will be donated to the Women’s Center of Brevard. The Women’s Center provides advocacy, guidance, and support for victims of abuse and neglect.
View Comments
Well Mister, Miss Hunt wont be driving her 2 Audis for a long time now.She let the temptation get the best of her. She will probably get a coushie in the prisons office. She will probably file a false Income Tax and get some more money that way. I saw on TV where an inmate filed a false income tax forms and got a refund for 85K. Then prison confiscated the check and ran copies for to prosecute then returned the check to IRS . IRS cut the crook another check for 85 K. lol Anyways I just had to add that in. Thanks folks George USN ret.
What kind of a business owner does not MISS this kind of money?Not a very bright or aware one!
She's be a perfect candidate for any of BrevTard's upcoming elections.
Of course American Express donated the stuff--it was used and they'll just write it off and raise fees like they always do. Economic Task Force ??? What a joke more money wasted. She stole for two years lived apparently way above her means but nobody notices--What a great job--She'll not even do time. How much $$$ did this investigation cost the taxpayers ?????
"Economic Task Force ??? What a joke more money wasted. She stole for two years lived apparently way above her means but nobody notices--What a great job"You’re a dufus!You think BCSO task force scours all the financial books of businesses in Brevard?They don’t act until a complaint is made…….Like maybe from the business she works for?If anyone is incompetent, it would be her boss for not noticing.
I second that...What kind of business doesn't notice that much money missing and who doesn't notice their family member living like that. I think she is being setup. I mean, her neighbor turned her in? Lame!
The neighbor did not turn her in the company caught her, fired her and reported her to the police. Sad that instead of putting blame solely where it should be on the thief people are bashing the business,. She was the one in charge of the money for the business, making it easy for her to violate there trust.
Well Mister, Miss Hunt wont be driving her 2 Audis for a long time now.She let the temptation get the best of her. She will probably get a coushie in the prisons office. She will probably file a false Income Tax and get some more money that way. I saw on TV where an inmate filed a false income tax forms and got a refund for 85K. Then prison confiscated the check and ran copies for to prosecute then returned the check to IRS . IRS cut the crook another check for 85 K. lol Anyways I just had to add that in. Thanks folks George USN ret.
What kind of a business owner does not MISS this kind of money?Not a very bright or aware one!
She's be a perfect candidate for any of BrevTard's upcoming elections.