Florida mechanic accused of draining EAA chapter funds

An affidavit signed in late July says the president of EAA Chapter 1240 was reviewing the organization's financial accounts, expecting to have about $40,000 available, but found a negative balance of $239.88. The chapter's president told detectives he began reviewing statements and found multiple transactions to Thomas Justin Smith and Hendricks Field Aviation that "he did not recognize or authorize as organizational business expenses."

The sheriff's office says Hendricks Field Aviation at Sebring Regional Airport is owned solely by Smith, 32, who holds A&P/IA and private pilot certificates according to FAA records.

The affidavit, citing bank records, details nearly 40 transactions between January 7 and July 30, including purchases from Hendricks Field Aviation, Zelle transfers to Smith, and PayPal withdrawals—10 of which were rejected due to the account being overdrawn—and alleges that "Smith intentionally and systematically moved funds between the five business accounts for seven months to avoid detection of the deficient funds.”

The affidavit states that the total financial loss to the chapter was $64,978.06, and that the attempted additional transactions that did not go through added up to $59,583.48. In addition to $300 in overdraft fees, the combined total of the alleged crimes came to $124,561.54.

Chapter leaders told detectives that Smith was attending EAA AirVenture Oshkosh in Wisconsin when they discovered the theft. Upon his return home, detectives attempted to contact him, and they say he agreed to meet them on July 29. Instead, he told them on July 30 to contact his attorney.

Smith was arrested the next day and faces three charges—grand theft, obtaining property worth $50,000 or more, and using a communication device to facilitate a felony. He has pleaded not guilty and was released on a $5,000 bond for each charge. He is scheduled to appear in court August 31.

In a statement, the chapter said it is committed to ensuring the programs continue despite the loss that “effectively left the Chapter rebuilding from a financial starting point of zero,” and said volunteers, donors, directors, local businesses, and aviation partners have helped stabilize the chapter.

“Our greatest assets have always been the people behind these programs—our volunteers, pilots, educators, donors, aviation businesses, community partners, and the students themselves,” said Heartland EAA Chapter 1240 President Gregory W. Griffin. “Their response over the past several weeks has reinforced that in a way I will never forget.”

The chapter also points to longstanding relationships with the airport, the Highlands County School Board, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and a number of local stakeholders that have supported more than 1,000 Young Eagles flights and programs that introduce students to flying, engineering, design, and manufacturing, while also offering scholarships.

“We are rebuilding, and we welcome the support of anyone who believes that these opportunities are worth protecting. Whether someone contributes time, expertise, resources, or financial support, it goes toward one objective: making sure the next young person still gets that opportunity,” said Griffin.

Donations to the chapter can be made online.

In a recent podcast interview, Smith said he was first introduced to aviation through a Young Eagles flight with the same EAA chapter he is accused of stealing from. AOPA has reached out to Smith’s attorney for comment. Smith previously worked as a design engineer for AirCam maker Lockwood Aviation, also based at the Sebring airport, according to product promotion video posted to YouTube in 2020.