Keith William Edwards

Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help tracking down a man accused of stealing more than $60,000 from a Lehigh Acres based non-profit organization.

Officials with the Fraternal Order of Eagles No. 3938 stated that in late November, they noticed that $28,373 allocated for a Queen of Hearts game was gone. When they asked Board Trustee Keith William Edwards, 57, about the missing money, he stated that it was used to pay bills.

Edwards was responsible for all monies coming in and out of the club’s account.

His response raised questions among the club members, who immediately launched a thorough financial audit from August through November. Through the audit, they found a total of $61,403 in receipts, money orders and bank statements that were unaccounted for in the club’s coffers.

They also discovered that Edwards had written several checks on the club’s account, payable to himself and cashed through his personal bank account.

Keith William Edwards

Shortly after the discovery was made, Edwards left the club at 607 Williams Ave. and has not been seen from or heard from by the club members. He is now the sole person of interest in the theft and fraud investigation.

Edwards has one prior arrest in Lee County for DUI and has an active warrant for his arrest for violating probation in relation to the charge. He was last known to be living in Lehigh Acres, but his current whereabouts are unknown.

Anyone with information is asked to call Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers at 800-780-TIPS (8477). All callers will remain anonymous and will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tips may also be made online at: “http://www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com”>www.southwestfloridacrimestoppers.com or by submitting a tip on the P3Tips mobile app.

Source: Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers