FORMER SHARK RESEARCHER CONVICTED OF FRAUD; ON THE HOOK FOR $453,000 RESTITUTION
Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC
BPD
Today, Dr. Christine Bedore, the former treasurer of the American Elasmobranch Society (AES), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to shark and stingray research, pleaded no contest to felony charges of scheme to defraud ($50,000 or more) and fraudulent use of personal identification information.
Bedore, 45, a former biology professor and shark researcher featured on National Geographic’s SharkFest, was sentenced to 36 months in the Department of Corrections, followed by 27 years of probation. She also must pay $452,953 in restitution, $20,000 of which was paid to AES in court today.
The Bradenton Police Department arrested Bedore in February 2024.
Detective Michael Carpenter began investigating Bedore in November 2023 after the president of AES discovered Bedore had fraudulently used the nonprofit’s finances for over five years, beginning in 2018. AES is the world’s oldest and largest society devoted to the scientific study of sharks and their relatives. The nonprofit organization uses a Bradenton mailing address.
Financial subpoenas indicate that Bedore used the AES checking and savings accounts for personal shopping and expenses, including medical procedures, a vehicle, subscription services, utilities, pet insurance, travel, entertainment, and more. Bedore also purchased laboratory specimens and equipment for her research at Georgia Southern University.
Several members of AES, including student researchers, were present for Bedore’s hearing.
