For Immediate Release

November 25, 2025

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) arrested Carl Anthony Needham Jr., 31, of Atlanta, Georgia, on one count each, of grand theft over $20,000 and under $100,000, a first-degree felony, identity theft, a second-degree felony, and money laundering, a second-degree felony.

“FDLE and our law enforcement partners will not allow individuals to victimize our Florida citizens or the State of Florida,” said FDLE Commissioner Mark Glass. “Those funds were intended to help small businesses find their footing after the devastating hurricanes in 2024, not for criminals to steal and fund their criminal activities.”

“When this fraud case surfaced, it quickly became clear that the investigation spanned jurisdictions beyond our authority. To ensure every lead was followed and every boundary crossed appropriately, I requested the assistance of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement. I’m proud of the work our investigators do alongside FDLE. Their partnership helps ensure a thorough, impartial process,” said Taylor County Sheriff Wayne Padgett. “Thanks to the efforts of FDLE, Georgia Bureau of Investigations and Paulding County (GA) Sheriff’s Office, an arrest has been made, holding the individual accountable.”

FDLE’s investigation began when agents received information that the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office had received a report of identity theft of an Emergency Bridge Loan (EBL) application with the Florida Department of Commerce.

The investigation revealed that the Department of Commerce had received two EBL applications under the same name, one for $25,000 and another for $38,000. The victim had submitted an application for $25,000 to assist in the repair of the damages and losses sustained from Hurricanes Milton and Helene. However, he was unaware of the other submission.

Both applications contained the victim’s personal information, however the application requesting $38,000 had exhibited a different financial institution where the funds should be deposited. The fraudulent application was approved, and the funds were deposited into the account indicated on the application. Needham was identified as the account holder.

Further investigation revealed that Needham had attempted to cover up the theft by transferring the obtained funds into several different financial accounts.

On November 19, FDLE Tallahassee agents, along with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation and the Paulding County Sherif’s Office arrested Needham and transported him to the Paulding County Jail. He will be extradited to the Taylor County Jail.

The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Department of Commerce provided assistance during the investigation.

The State Attorney’s Office for the Third Judicial Circuit is prosecuting the case.

The case remains active.

For Further Information Contact

FDLE Office of Public Information

Info@fdle.state.fl.us