St. Johns County Sheriff David Shoar says the theft case against his former finance director is one of the biggest disappointments during his time as sheriff.
Raye Brutnell is accused of stealing more than $700,000 over five years by allegedly creating false accounts and having agency money sent to her personal account.
Brutnell admitted to having a spending addiction, according to an affidavit. She reportedly used the money for car payments, mortgage payments, her father’s nursing home, and daily spending.
Shoar says the missing money was somehow missed by external auditors.
He believes he will get the money back.
“I’m hoping to get most of it, if the suspect is convicted of these crimes, I hope to get most of it back from them," Shoar said.
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Sheriff Shoar called the allegations profoundly disappointing, and he says right now there no indication anyone else was involved.
Shoar says Brutnell was trusted within the agency and that there was no reason to speculate wrongdoing.
“If the top person in your financial organization somehow acquires larceny on their heart, that’s pretty difficult to deal with," Shoar said.
Shoar explained he will be as transparent as possible with the case.
Brutnell turned herself in and is being represented by Jacksonville attorney Hank Coxe.