State attorneys in Hillsborough County have decided they will not file charges against a former GOP treasurer who was arrested and accused of stealing more than $14,000 from his own party. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested Patrick Bailey in December. Deputies said Bailey had written checks to himself and transferred money from the Hillsborough County Republican Party to his own account. Investigators recommended grand theft and false entry charges. "When someone exploits their position to take what doesn't belong to them, it hurts the organization and the people who trusted them," Sheriff Chad Chronister said after the arrest. Court records show the state decided not to file charges after Bailey paid more than $15,000 in criminal restitution. Erin Maloney, spokesperson for the 13th Judicial Circuit, said in an email the decision not to file charges was also influenced by the victim. "The evidence showed that Patrick Bailey paid himself for bookkeeping services. The victim told law enforcement that the payments were unauthorized. However, Mr. Bailey did not attempt to hide the payments or alter invoices to disguise the payments, which generally occurs in employee embezzlement cases. Such evidence allows prosecutors to establish criminal intent," she said.