TPD Arrests Chicago Man in Fraud Investigation, Recovers $1.4 Million

The Tallahassee Police Department (TPD) has made an arrest in connection with a 2024 fraud investigation that included stolen City of Tallahassee funds. The broad-reaching investigation uncovered a network of coordinated deceit that digitally crossed state and international bounds in an attempt to thwart law enforcement authorities.

The issue had become a political issue with activist groups and progressive members of the city commission criticizing the city for a lack of transparency.

The press release stated that after an extensive and complex operation, detectives identified, investigated and arrested Richard N. Golding of Buffalo Grove, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Golding is charged with two counts of Wire Fraud, Money Laundering, Grand Theft, and Attempted Grand Theft.

The investigation revealed the arrestee unlawfully and willingly participated in the receipt of $2.35 million in stolen funds and facilitated the international transfer of funds to a Mexican bank for an unidentified criminal network. The investigation also revealed that the City of Tallahassee was one of multiple victims of this fraud.

“No crime is faceless. Someone sought to harm each member of this community by stealing public dollars. Thanks to the expertise, tireless dedication and persistence of our investigators, $1.4 million dollars was recovered for the citizens of Tallahassee, and justice will be served,” Tallahassee Police Chief Lawrence Revell said. “This case is another example of TPD’s commitment to solving crimes and holding criminals accountable under the law.”

This case required coordination with other agencies and jurisdictions across several states as TPD detectives conducted a thorough review of financial records and other evidence to trace the movement of funds and identify participants. The complexity of the investigation and the nature of the scheme created numerous investigative leads beyond the City of Tallahassee, crossing state and international jurisdictions that had to be meticulously analyzed and considered. Detectives worked diligently to ensure evidence was lawfully obtained, thoroughly vetted, and sufficient to support a strong, prosecutable case and uphold the integrity of the judicial process.

Through the combined efforts of multiple agencies including the Tallahassee Police Department, State Attorney Jack Campbell’s Office, United States Secret Service, and the U.S. Marshals Service this investigation resulted in an arrest and financial recovery on behalf of the citizens of Tallahassee.