Florida-based mechanic Thomas Justin Smith was recently arrested on felony charges of grand theft and scheme-to-defraud for moving funds from his aviation business and EAA Chapter to personal accounts.

Aside from being owner of Hendricks Field Aviation—a Bristell Authorized Service Center—Smith holds the following certifications:

• A&P mechanic
• Inspection Authorization (IA)
• Private pilot certificate

According to a signed affidavit from late July 2026, EAA Chapter 1240 President Gergory W. Griffin discovered the company’s accounts showed a negative balance of $238.88 when there should have been nearly $40,000 in funds available.

Instead, there were several transactions directly to Smith’s personal accounts as well as Hendricks Field Aviation.

Investigators also discovered approximately $65,000 in actual losses as well as almost $60,000 in attempted transactions that were unsuccessful due to the account being overdrawn. When adding overdraft fees, the alleged crimes reached a total of $124,561.54 in losses.

Smith has pleaded “not guilty” and was initially released on a bond of $5,000 for each charge, with his next court appearance August 31, 2026.

As EAA Chapter 1240 is host to the Young Eagles Program, the financial losses have had a direct impact on the chapter’s ability to support scholarships and programs that guide young people into aviation careers.

The AOPA shared a quote from Griffin, stating, “We are rebuilding, and we welcome the support of anyone who believes that these opportunities are worth protecting. Whether someone contributes time, expertise, resources, or financial support, it goes toward one objective: making sure the next young person still gets that opportunity.”

Interested parties can donate to EAA Chapter 1240 online.