Local

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office corrections officer arrested for insurance fraud

Jacksonville, FL -  A 20-year veteran of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office has been arrested for a third-degree felony count of insurance fraud.

STORY: JSO arrests 20-year veteran accused of lying about working off-duty job for monetary gains

Undersheriff Pat Ivey says 48-year-old Corrections Officer Ronnye Smith is accused of reporting his personal vehicle as stolen, in order to profit from insurance. Smith allegedly came up with a scheme in April to work with two people to carry out the fraud. In July, Ivey says the vehicle was seen in Clay County, and their investigation from there determined that Smith was a part of the scheme.

In all, Smith allegedly profited less than $20,000 in the fraud.

STORY: Florida corrections officer accused of pulling gun on man outside strip club

Ivey says Smith chose to resign in the wake of his arrest. The other two people allegedly involved in the fraud scheme are still being investigated.

Ivey says it’s a shame that Smith decided to commit conduct like this, but it doesn’t make him sad as Undersheriff, because it’s important to hold all employees accountable, including to what they do in their personal lives.