PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. – Two Putnam County Sheriff’s Office deputies have been fired and are facing criminal charges after an internal audit revealed they falsified timecards and collected thousands of dollars in unearned pay.
Sheriff H.D. “Gator” DeLoach said the actions of Lt. Michael Wells and Detective Elias Rivera have damaged public trust and violated the core values of the agency.
“To say I am disappointed is a gross understatement,” Sheriff DeLoach said. “We have a commitment to uphold the faith and public trust our community places with us, and these two trampled it for personal gain. They are no different than the criminals we arrest on the streets.”
The investigation began in August 2025, when a supervisor noticed a discrepancy in Lt. Wells’ timecard. Records showed Wells reported working regular shifts on Aug. 4 and 5, despite teaching at the law enforcement academy on those same days. The sheriff’s office allows 40 hours of leave for academy instructors, but Wells did not use any of that time or request annual leave.
That discovery led to a broader criminal investigation into possible “double-dipping.” Investigators found that since January 2024, Wells had taught 169 hours of classes while collecting pay from both the sheriff’s office and the academy. The department estimated the total loss at $6,522.49, surpassing the threshold for grand theft.
An internal review also revealed multiple instances of falsified timecards, including vacation days where Wells failed to log leave. He was found in gross violation of conduct unbecoming an officer and actions that could severely damage public trust.
Wells was terminated on Oct. 6, and felony charges of grand theft and official misconduct were forwarded to the State Attorney’s Office. Wells had served with the agency since 2014 and had no prior disciplinary history.
Because of Wells’ supervisory role, the department launched a broader audit of other timecards. That review uncovered similar discrepancies involving Detective Elias Rivera.
Investigators found that Rivera failed to report leave time on at least 16 off-duty details worked during his regular hours over a seven-month period, costing the agency $2,558.45 for 95.5 hours not worked. The internal investigation concluded on Oct. 13, and like Wells, Rivera now faces felony charges of grand theft and official misconduct. He was fired on Oct. 16. Rivera joined the sheriff’s office in 2019 and also had no prior disciplinary history.
Sheriff DeLoach said the department remains committed to accountability and transparency.
“No one is above the law,” he said. “Even financial crimes are detrimental because they erode public trust in the many hardworking men and women in this agency. My promise is to continue holding each person accountable for their actions. Those who cannot meet our standard will no longer be employed—and in cases like these, they will also face criminal charges.”
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