Shark researchers who stole more than $450,000 from a nonprofit with Florida tie-in will spend years in prison and decades on probation.
Christine Bedau, 45, a former biology professor featured in National Geographic’s “Sharkfest,” did not plead the contest earlier this month on felony charges seeking felony charges in a Manatee County courtroom, court records show. Investigators say she spent five years on the money from the American Eras Mo Branch Association, a shark research nonprofit with Bradenton’s mailing address.
Judge Matt White sentenced Beddoa to three years in prison and 27 years on probation. She will also have to pay $452,953 in reparations, including $20,000 paid to the organization, court records.
According to police, Bedadore has been treasurer for a nonprofit since 2018, and uses that account to cover personal expenses such as medical procedures, vehicles, pet insurance, subscription services, travel and entertainment.
The arrest report details some of these transactions, including a $8,000 down payment with a spent Jeep, about $13,000 for oral surgery, and more than $38,000 for Amazon purchases. Investigators say the stolen funds were intended to support research into sharks and rays.
Also, according to financial documents, Bedoa used money from a nonprofit to purchase lab specimens and equipment for her studies at Georgia Southern University, where she was employed at the time.
Shark researcher convicted in Bradenton
According to a Facebook post from Georgia Southern University’s Department of Biology, Bedoa was previously featured on National Geographic as part of the 2022 series in which Sharks attacked the 360.
Several members of the American Eras Mo Branch Association, including student researchers, attended the hearing Tuesday, according to a news release. In a statement provided to police, the organization said it was ready to move forward after describing it as a financially and emotionally damaging trial.
“This will allow us to restructure the AES finances and focus on efforts to restore the trust and trust of the community of committed shark and ray scientists, especially the young student members who have been particularly unfairly present by the actions of the defendants,” the organization said. “I hope this judgment will mark the beginning of a well-intentioned effort by the defendant to accept responsibility, regret her actions and strive to rebuild her life.”
