Clearwater Police Arrest Contractor for Church Fund Theft
William Botelho allegedly funneled over $736,000 intended for church construction into personal luxury expenses.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Financial Crime
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Clearwater police arrested contractor William Botelho on October 28, 2026, on charges of grand theft involving Unity Church of Clearwater. Authorities allege that Botelho diverted a significant portion of construction payments toward personal vehicles and vacations.
Why it matters
The case highlights the severe financial risks non-profits face when overseeing large-scale construction contracts with third-party vendors. Investigators claim that instead of fulfilling the agreement, the contractor utilized funds for unauthorized personal spending.
William Botelho was arrested on October 28, 2026, and currently faces grand theft charges. Police investigation into his business, Custom Building Solutions, followed a formal demand for the return of funds issued by the church on July 9, 2026.
The players
William Botelho
He was the owner and operator of Custom Building Solutions during the period the alleged financial diversion occurred.
Unity Church of Clearwater
The religious organization served as the primary client for the construction project that became the subject of the theft investigation.
Custom Building Solutions
The contracting firm was hired to perform construction work but later became the focus of police scrutiny regarding misused funds.
The details
Subpoenas revealed that funds intended for project supplies and labor were rerouted through personal accounts and credit cards. Records show the money paid for personal indulgences including a Mercedes G Wagon, while construction progress remained minimal between August 2023 and March 2026.
Timeline
August 2023: Unity Church of Clearwater signed the construction contract.
March 2026: The project reached a standstill with minimal progress completed.
July 9, 2026: The church issued a formal demand for the return of project funds.
October 28, 2026: William Botelho was taken into custody by local authorities.
Legal Context
The arrest reflects a broader uptick in the enforcement of Florida statutes governing the misappropriation of construction funds. This case underscores a growing trend of local authorities using subpoenas to untangle complex financial fraud involving construction industry contractors.
Residents and organizations in Clearwater are advised to conduct rigorous background checks and milestone-based payment schedules when hiring contractors. The case serves as a warning for local businesses and institutions to maintain transparent, audited oversight of all construction capital.
The takeaway
Large construction projects require strict payment schedules linked to verifiable work completion to prevent financial exploitation. Institutions should maintain regular, independent audits to ensure funds are not being diverted by contractors.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings regarding fraud in the area, visit the Financial Crime section.
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