Former Vero Beach Eagles secretary accused of embezzling nearly $419,000

VERO BEACH — A former secretary of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 4374 is accused of using nearly $419,000 of the organization’s money for personal expenses over several years, according to the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office.

Robert John Davison of Fort Pierce served as secretary of the Vero Beach chapter, located at 1267 Old Dixie Highway, from February 2015 until November 2024.

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The investigation started after the Grand Aerie sent a representative to examine declining membership and finances. That review found Davison had used the organization’s debit card for unauthorized personal purchases, according to the Sheriff’s Office.

The social and fraternal club brought in Clay Price & Associates, P.A. to examine their books, and the firm found that Davison had spent $418,899.26 of group funds on personal items dating back to 2017.

Investigators found that the spending included:

• $115,087.49 in ATM withdrawals and related fees, which the Sheriff’s Office said fell outside the secretary’s authorized duties
• $55,175.40 on personal bills, including credit cards, vehicle payments, utilities and cellphone service
• $35,094.53 on groceries and liquor store purchases
• $16,038.66 on unauthorized flights and lodging
• $9,861.27 transferred to Davison’s personal Cash App account
• $8,791.14 on firearms, ammunition, other personal purchases and an NRA membership
• $5,930.98 on rideshare services
• $4,463.52 in personal court payments, including child support and DUI-related fees
• At least $2,461.37 in purchases tied to Davison’s personal LEGO business
• $2,476.43 in personal fuel purchases

Investigators said the organization’s Constitution and Statutes did not authorize the ATM withdrawals, travel costs or other personal charges. The current trustee chairman and current secretary confirmed the debit card spending was outside Davison’s duties and was not approved by the organization.

Receipts and transaction records were collected as evidence, the Sheriff’s Office said. Davison is accused of embezzlement involving $100,000 or more and is being held on a $150,000 bond.