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Police: Osceola Clerk of Courts candidate stole thousands from church

POINCIANA, Fla. — A candidate for Osceola County Clerk of Courts is accused of stealing thousands of dollars from a Poinciana church where he was employed.

Oliver "Dan" Durfey, 54, is running for Osceola County Clerk of Courts and works as the church administrator at the First Baptist Church of Poinciana, according to officials.

Detectives told WFTV Durfey used the church's three bank accounts over a two-year period and obtained a debit card for one of the accounts, without the church knowing. During that time, Durfey stole more than $56,000 from the church's bank accounts, according to detectives.

Investigators said Durfey used the money for both personal use and campaign purposes. He is accused of spending the church's money on two campaign booths at political events. In addition, Durfey's campaign treasurer's report includes two $5,000 loans from Durfey himself, which investigators said came from the church's bank accounts.

A warrant has been issued for Durfey's arrest. Durfey will be charged with scheme to defraud, grand theft, and illegal use of a credit card. He has not been located, officials said.

Durfey is an Osceola County resident, but the Poinciana church is located in Polk County. If anyone has information regarding the whereabouts of Durfey, they are urged to contact the Polk County Sheriff's Office.