November 05, 2015
Theft by Taking from Deceased Police Officer's Family
Leesburg, GA - On Wednesday, November 4, 2015, David Hans Smith, 43, was arrested by the GBI Thomasville office for Theft by Taking. Smith was arrested following an investigation into a complaint that Smith had stolen money from the family of deceased Pelham Police Officer John Mucci. Shortly after Mucci’s death on April 3, 2015, Smith established an online GO FUND ME account claiming to raise money for Mucci’s family and funeral expenses. However, Smith diverted over $17,000 for his personal use. None of the donated money was ever given to Mucci’s family. Mucci was 29 years old when he died of natural causes.
The Pelham Police Department and the Lee County Sheriff’s office assisted in the investigation. Smith was arrested and charged in Leesburg.