Aaron Lee, Vice President of Administration for the Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB), was arrested on January 3 after an investigation into the alleged misuse of CVB-issued credit cards, authorities said.
The Bay County Sheriff’s Office reported that Lee allegedly charged nearly $1 million on a CVB American Express card between April 2024 and January 2026, while only about $58,000 was properly logged in the bureau’s expense system. Investigators say over 1,000 transactions occurred, including hotels, restaurants, Venmo payments, and airline costs.
Five charges were allegedly personal, totaling more than $100,000, and included a home water filtration system, cruise company charges, and horse auction payments. Officials allege Lee may have deleted transactions from the CVB expense account to conceal the activity.
During a search of Lee’s residence, deputies confiscated high-end watches, including Rolex and Cartier brands. In a post-Miranda interview, Lee reportedly admitted using the card for personal purchases, claiming some charges were accidental and that he intended to repay the funds.
Lee faces charges of grand theft over $100,000 and five counts of fraudulent use of a credit card, all felonies.
