Visit Panama City Beach Executive Arrested for Alleged Grand Theft and Credit Card Fraud

In a significant development for Panama City Beach, Aaron Scott Lee, the Vice President of Administration at Visit Panama City Beach, has been arrested on charges of grand theft and fraudulent use of a credit card.

 

The  Bay County Sheriff's Office announced that Lee, 48, was taken into custody on January 3, 2026, following an investigation into discrepancies involving a company-issued American Express card.

 

According to officials, the investigation revealed that Lee allegedly made over 1,000 unauthorized transactions totaling nearly $1 million since April 2024.

 

These charges included expenditures on high-end hotels, international flights, cruises, and luxury items such as Rolex and Cartier watches.

 

During a press conference on January 5, Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford described Lee as a "con man" who had been "weaving a tale for quite some time."

 

He emphasized the betrayal of public trust and the need for accountability within the organization.

 

In response to the arrest, Bay County Commissioners expressed their dismay and commitment to implementing stricter oversight measures.

 

Commissioner Clair Pease stated, "I'm disgusted. It's a betrayal of trust, and there will be consequences."

 

Similarly, Commissioner Daniel Raffield referred to Lee as a "bad actor" who violated public trust.

 

Lee reportedly admitted to using the company card for personal expenses, including a home water filtration system and internet bills.

 

He initially claimed the charges were accidental due to linking the card to his Apple Pay account but later acknowledged intentional misuse.

 

As the community grapples with this breach of trust, local officials are taking steps to prevent future incidents and restore confidence in public institutions.

 

The case underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in managing public funds.