NASSAU COUNTY, FL – The Nassau County Sheriff's Office today arrested one of its corrections deputies on charges stemming from fraudulent timekeeping practices and theft of county funds. Arielle Hester, 36, a corrections deputy with the Nassau County Sheriff's Office, was taken into custody on charges of official misconduct and grand theft following an investigation by the Criminal Investigation Division (CID).
The investigation began in July 2025 when discrepancies were discovered in Hester's reported work hours. CID investigators determined that Hester repeatedly claimed compensation for time she did not work. The investigation revealed multiple instances where she claimed to have worked full 12-hour shifts when she had actually called out and was not present. Additionally, investigators uncovered fraudulent claims for in-service training hours, including incidents where she claimed 11 hours of training during an 8-hour training session. This pattern of false timekeeping occurred between 2024 and 2025.
The total amount of fraudulent compensation claimed by Hester is approximately $4,478.63. Hester knowingly and intentionally obtained a benefit for herself by falsifying official records and documents, contrary to Florida state statute.
Hester knowingly obtained monetary compensation valued at $750 or more that was the property of the Nassau County Sheriff's Office.
“The Nassau County Sheriff's Office holds all personnel to the highest standards of integrity and accountability,” said Sheriff Bill Leeper. “While these charges are deeply disappointing and troubling, if any member of our organization violates the public trust, we will thoroughly investigate and pursue appropriate criminal charges. This arrest demonstrates our commitment to transparency and our zero tolerance policy for misconduct.”
The Nassau County Sheriff's Office remains committed to maintaining the integrity of its operations and the trust of the community it serves. Administrative Office: 77151 Citizen Way, Yulee, FL 3
