Nassau Sheriff's Office Fires Six in Double-Dipping Scandal!

Nassau County, Florida, USA - In a startling turn of events, the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office has taken decisive measures against misconduct within its ranks. Six employees have been investigated and five terminated amid serious allegations of double-dipping—claiming pay for both on-duty and off-duty work. This inquiry, which began in May, revealed improper time sheet filings that cost the agency approximately $14,000. The revelation has sent shockwaves through the community and prompted calls for greater accountability.

The investigation was triggered by an internal tip hinting at potential violations of state law and agency policy. Following a thorough review, it became clear that five employees had been submitting time sheets for payment while also receiving compensation from a private employer for off-duty activities. This directly violates both state law and NCSO policy, which prohibit such practices. As a result, arrest warrants were issued for the implicated individuals, with three arrested. Notably, Deputy Henry Holmberg, Sgt. Brian Blackwell, and Sgt. Wilfred Quick are facing serious felony theft charges and felony official misconduct charges.

Details of the Investigation

One of the arrested, Deputy Michael Brandon, who was on light duty, stands accused of leaving work without permission and submitting false time sheets. Brandon, however, accepted a pre-trial diversion program, which includes restitution payments to both the Sheriff’s Office and local taxpayers. This isn’t the first time some of these employees have faced scrutiny. Holmberg had prior complaints in 2022, and issues involving Blackwell and racist comments attributed to Quick surfaced in 2023.

Sheriff Bill Leeper has voiced his disappointment in these events, underscoring the need for transparency and responsibility within the department. In a proactive approach, the Sheriff’s Office has announced that it will now conduct audits of all employees engaged in secondary employment to prevent future violations.

Wider Implications in Law Enforcement

This incident comes against a backdrop of ongoing concerns about corruption in law enforcement. Notably, former deputy James Darrell Hickox was recently sentenced to 17 years and 6 months in federal prison after a string of serious offenses, including conspiring to distribute narcotics and tax evasion. His activities spanned from 2017 to 2023 while he was employed with NCSO, during which time he engaged in stealing drugs and money from evidence. A federal investigation revealed he had concealed over $420,000 from the IRS, along with firearms that had no business being in his possession.

The court’s decision to convict Hickox was the result of a collaborative investigation involving the FBI, IRS-Criminal Investigation, and other law enforcement entities. The grave nature of these incidents pushes the community to question not just individual accountability but also institutional integrity.

As Nassau County grapples with these issues, both former officers’ actions and the subsequent fallout serve as a critical reminder of the importance of ethical behavior in law enforcement. The commitment to integrity from the Sheriff’s Office is now more important than ever.

For more detailed accounts of these investigations, readers can refer to news reports from Jacksonville.com and the U.S. Department of Justice.