A former counselor for Polk County’s DUI/Drug Court faces additional charges that he stole from clients who were trying to pay fees in the program, according to a complaint affidavit.
The suspect, 42, of Lakeland was arrested Thursday on two counts of grand theft and two counts of petit theft.
He was released from the Polk County Jail on $3,000 bail, records show.
He now faces a total of 24 charges, including scheme to defraud, official misconduct, uttering forgeries, grand theft, petit theft, and tampering with a witness and evidence, court records state.
The charges carry a maximum of 115 years in prison and two years in jail.
The State Attorney’s Office released complaint affidavits that provide the following account:
The suspect is accused of stealing more than $5,000 in cash and items from six clients who were trying to pay fees as part of the intervention and treatment program.
He was arrested in May 2009 after a State Attorney’s Office investigation concluded he took money, a battery charger and audio amps from two clients.
In October, investigators seized more than 280 files from the Polk County DUI/Drug Court and later determined that the suspect took money from four more clients.
Are you facing DUI, drug related or other criminal charges in Polk County? If so, we have the experience you need on your side at this critical time (over 100 years combined!) Our Florida DUI Lawyers are not limited to defending those accused of a criminal offense in Polk County, but all of FL. If you have been arrested in a city such as St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Lakeland, Tampa we can certainly represent you; and with convenience due to our 9 offices.
[...] former counselor, who was arrested in July, is accused of stealing more than $5,000 in cash and items from six clients who were trying to pay [...]
[...] – The plea. – The arrest. [...]