In a shocking turn of events, a former deputy of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has been accused of logging overtime hours that he never actually worked. The allegations state that Preston C. Hines received over $1,000 in payment for overtime details during which he was not present for the full duration. Hines, who was placed on administrative leave in September, is no longer employed by the sheriff’s office, but it remains unclear whether he was fired or resigned. The sheriff’s office alleges that Hines routinely arrived late and left early, despite documenting that he had fulfilled the required hours. As a result of these serious accusations, Hines has been charged with scheme to defraud. The sheriff’s office emphasizes that such actions do not reflect their values of integrity, respect, service, and fairness, and they are committed to informing the public and upholding their standards of conduct and behavior.
Background Information
Accusations against Ex-Sarasota County Deputy
In recent news, a former Sarasota County deputy, Preston C. Hines, has been accused of engaging in dishonest practices regarding his work hours. According to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, Hines allegedly logged overtime hours that he did not actually work, resulting in him being paid over $1,000 for time he was not fully present on duty. These accusations have raised concerns about the integrity and professionalism of the individual in question.
Administrative Leave and Employment Status
Upon the discovery of these allegations, Preston C. Hines was immediately placed on administrative leave by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office on September 25th. This decision was made to ensure a thorough investigation could take place without any interference or influence on the part of Hines. As of now, Hines is no longer employed by the sheriff’s office, although it remains unclear whether he was fired or if he chose to resign. The administrative leave and subsequent separation of Hines from the sheriff’s office emphasize the seriousness of the allegations and the commitment of the agency to address any misconduct within its ranks.
Details of the Allegations
Inconsistent Work Hours
According to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, the allegations against Preston C. Hines primarily revolve around his inconsistent work hours. Despite documenting that he worked the required hours for overtime details, it is claimed that Hines routinely arrived late and left early. These inconsistent work hours created a discrepancy between the hours logged by Hines and the actual time he spent on duty. This discrepancy raises concerns not only about the accuracy of Hines’ reporting but also about his commitment to fulfilling his responsibilities as a law enforcement officer.
Specific Incidents of Misconduct
Several specific incidents have been brought to light as evidence of misconduct on the part of Preston C. Hines. For example, on a particular occasion, Benderson Park officials reported that they did not see Hines at a scheduled detail for which he was responsible. This raised suspicions regarding Hines’ attendance and punctuality. In another instance, GPS records allegedly showed Hines leaving the University Town Center Mall area before the completion of his shift. Such incidents suggest a pattern of questionable behavior and reinforce the accusations against Hines.
Arrest and Charges
Arrest of Preston C. Hines
In light of the accusations made against him, Preston C. Hines was arrested on Wednesday following an investigation by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. The arrest signifies the seriousness with which the allegations are being taken and the determination of law enforcement authorities to uphold the principles of justice and accountability.
Charge of Scheme to Defraud
Preston C. Hines has been charged with scheme to defraud, as stated by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office. This charge underscores the gravity of the alleged misconduct and suggests that Hines deliberately engaged in deceptive practices to obtain financial benefits he was not entitled to. Scheme to defraud is a serious offense, demonstrating the severity of the accusations against Hines and the potential legal consequences he may face.
Sheriff’s Office Response
High Standard of Conduct
The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to upholding a high standard of conduct and professionalism among its employees. In response to the allegations against Preston C. Hines, the sheriff’s office released a statement emphasizing that the actions displayed by Hines do not align with the agency’s vision or values. The sheriff’s office expects all its personnel to embody integrity, respect, service, and fairness, and any actions that deviate from these principles are not tolerated.
Commitment to Community
The sheriff’s office recognizes the importance of transparency and public trust. By promptly addressing the allegations against Preston C. Hines and taking necessary actions, they aim to assure the community of their dedication to maintaining the highest level of professionalism within their ranks. The commitment to the community is a core value of the sheriff’s office, and they are determined to remain accountable to the residents they serve.
In conclusion, the allegations against former Sarasota County deputy Preston C. Hines have shed light on concerns regarding his integrity and work ethic. The accusations of logging overtime hours he did not work, inconsistent work hours, and specific incidents of misconduct have raised serious questions about Hines’ dedication to his responsibilities as a law enforcement officer. Hines’ subsequent arrest on charges of scheme to defraud further underscores the severity of the allegations against him. The response from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office reflects their commitment to maintaining a high standard of conduct and their determination to address any misconduct within their agency. By keeping the community informed and emphasizing their dedication to the community’s safety and trust, the sheriff’s office aims to preserve public confidence in law enforcement.