ST. LOUIS – The former police chief of the Velda City Police Department, who also served as the city’s administrator, is accused of stealing hundreds of thousands in city funds through a series of fraudulent transactions.

Daniel Paulino, 51, has been charged with three counts of wire fraud, according to a federal indictment returned Wednesday.

The U.S. Department of Justice reports that Paulino was appointed to the city administrator position in 2021 and also served as police chief until the department was dissolved in 2024, following the resignation of the entire Velda City police force.

The indictment alleges that Paulino made more than 800 charges for personal expenses with the city’s credit card, totaling around $145,000. Investigators say he also transferred around $44,000 to his business, R&B Towing, and his spouse’s business, Renovations-STL, with the city’s credit card.

In total, Paulino is accused of misappropriating $313,420 in city funds. Various funds were used for personal expenses such as travel, automobiles, pool supplies, utilities at his personal home, according to the indictment.

The indictment further alleges that Paulino transferred around $59,000 from his personal or business bank accounts to Velda City’s bank account and credit cards to conceal crimes. Investigators say such transactions were made without knowledge or authorization of the city, its mayor, treasurer or Board of Aldermen.

The FBI has assisted with this investigation. The next court date in the case has not yet been set.