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Jacksonville doctor accused of stealing donations for Helene victims calls charges against him 'absurd'

Mark Anthony Smith was previously employed in Jacksonville by NaphCare, which oversees health care inside the Duval County Jail. He's now facing multiple felonies.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — First Coast News is learning more information about a Jacksonville doctor accused of stealing thousands in donations meant for Hurricane Helene victims.

In Swannanoa, North Carolina, Helene killed more than three dozen people and washed away homes, leaving behind mass destruction in its wake.

Mark Anthony Smith, 56, met with First Coast News in October as he was heading to Swannanoa with a U-Haul full of supplies. 

Last week, a warrant was issued for Smith's arrest near Asheville, and he now faces a slew of charges including felony breaking and entering, felony larceny, obtaining property by false pretenses and trespassing during a state of emergency.

Credit: Buncombe County Sheriff's Office
Mark Anthony Smith faces several charges for stealing from Hurricane Helene victims, jail records show.

First Coast News also spoke with a man in North Carolina who runs the nonprofit Smith is accused of stealing from.

The nonprofit Hearts Hurt, run by David Graham, who goes by 'Cowboy Dave,' helps get donated items into the hands of victims impacted by natural disasters. 

Graham told the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office and First Coast News that Smith stole donations meant for hurricane victims and some of his personal property. He said his nonprofit brings supplies to people after disasters, including things like camping heaters - one of the items Smith's arrest warrant says he stole.

"The supply center's excited because he says he's a doctor and he's got brand new stuff. That's exciting when people are dying all around you," Graham told First Coast News. "It's exciting to know you're gonna keep them warm. We had ice in our camp, ice, and this guy's stealing stuff."

Smith's arrest warrant states he stole $2,000 worth of property from Graham, stealing camping supplies and other property, and never returned the U-Haul he rented.

Credit: David Graham
This image shows the tent Smith is accused of damaging and stealing donations.

After detectives executed a search warrant on the U-Haul, they recovered $12,000 in stolen donations from Heart Hurts. Detectives said they also discovered that Smith had sold donations to a local pawn shop for cash.

Smith spoke over the phone with First Coast News Wednesday night, calling the charges "absurd." He denied all of the allegations but said he couldn't elaborate due to ongoing legal proceedings. Smith contends he never stole anything. 

Online court records show Smith posted bond Tuesday afternoon. He is due back in court later this month.

Smith was previously employed in Jacksonville by NaphCare, which oversees health care inside the Duval County Jail. 

A NaphCare spokesperson told First Coast News that Smith has not worked for the company since July.

The Florida Department of Health still lists Smith's primary practice address as the Duval County Jail.

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