Former Secretary Arrested for Alleged $418,900 Embezzlement from Vero Beach Fraternal Order of Eagles
A 49-year-old Fort Pierce resident has been arrested on serious felony charges after allegedly siphoning hundreds of thousands of dollars from a long-standing local community organization. Robert John Davison is accused of embezzling approximately $418,900 from the Fraternal Order of Eagles chapter located in Vero Beach, according to Indian River County court filings.
Davison, who served as the secretary for the Aerie 4374 Fraternal Order of Eagles on Old Dixie Highway from February 2015 until he inexplicably stopped appearing in November 2024, is now facing a formal charge of first-degree grand theft of $100,000 or more.
The severe financial discrepancies first came to light when a vigilant member of the Grand Aerie Chapter began investigating a noticeable, steady decline in both membership and financial reserves at the Vero Beach location. Suspicion quickly mounted when an initial review of local bank statements revealed that Davison had allegedly been using the organization’s debit card to fund unauthorized personal expenses.
To determine the full extent of the financial damage, the organization enlisted the services of a forensic accounting firm. Their comprehensive review revealed that Davison had allegedly been diverting organizational funds for personal use dating all the way back to 2017.
According to the forensic audit and subsequent court records, Davison utilized the misappropriated non-profit funds to support a wide array of personal expenses, ranging from basic utility bills to unique hobbies. The detailed breakdown of the alleged theft includes:
- $115,087.49 in cash ATM withdrawals and associated bank fees.
- $55,175.40 covering personal financial obligations, including credit card bills, personal vehicle payments, cell phone plans, and home utilities.
- $35,094.53 spent on everyday personal groceries and purchases at liquor stores.
- $16,038.66 utilized for private travel arrangements, including airline flights and lodging accommodations.
- $9,861.27 transferred directly into his personal Cash App account.
- $8,791.14 dedicated to the purchase of firearms, ammunition, and a personal membership to the National Rifle Association.
- $5,930.98 racked up in additional travel costs via ride-share applications.
- $4,463.52 used to satisfy personal court-ordered obligations, including child support and fines stemming from a prior DUI arrest.
- $2,476.43 spent on personal vehicle fuel costs.
- $2,461.37 utilized for inventory and supplies for his personal LEGO business.
Law enforcement officers officially took Davison into custody on the afternoon of August 17. Following his arrest, he was booked into the Indian River County Jail. He currently remains incarcerated with his bail set at $150,000.
This extensive financial breach represents a significant blow to the local Vero Beach chapter of the Fraternal Order of Eagles, an international non-profit organization historically rooted in community service, charitable fundraising, and civic engagement across Indian River County and the wider Treasure Coast.
