NASSAU COUNTY, Fla. – The Nassau County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) has terminated and arrested one of its corrections deputies following an investigation into fraudulent timekeeping practices and theft of county funds.
On Tuesday evening, August 12, 2025, 36-year-old Arielle Hester was taken into custody on charges of official misconduct and grand theft after an investigation by the NCSO Criminal Investigation Division (CID).
The investigation began in July 2025 after discrepancies were discovered in Hester’s reported work hours. Investigators determined she repeatedly claimed compensation for time she did not work, including multiple instances of reporting full 12-hour shifts when she had actually called out. She also claimed inflated in-service training hours, such as reporting 11 hours for an 8-hour training session.
The fraudulent timekeeping occurred between 2024 and 2025 and resulted in approximately $4,478.63 in improper compensation.
Hester is accused of knowingly falsifying official records and obtaining monetary compensation valued at $750 or more from 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 stated it remains committed to maintaining the integrity of its operations and the trust of the community it serves.
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