Freedom High's Booster Club Treasurer Arrested

A 40-year-old Tampa man stands accused of pilfering more than $15,000 from the Freedom High School Athletic Booster Club.

According to the Tampa Police Department, Cornelius Smith of 18913 Twinberry Drive made withdrawals from the club’s account over an eight-day period. Those withdrawals added up to more than $15,000 and were not approved by the club’s board of directors. Smith served as the club’s treasurer.

“Most of the withdrawals were from ATMs and photos and video show the suspect making the withdrawals,” an email to media from the police department stated. “When confronted by board members, the suspect abruptly resigned as treasurer and did not cooperate with the investigation.”

Smith was arrested Tuesday evening. He remained in the Hillsborough County Jail Wednesday morning in lieu of $10,000 bond, according to jail records.

Photo Credit: Cornelius Smith/Hillsborough County Jail