A former Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputy was arrested Tuesday following an investigation that found he allegedly falsified multiple time cards and was paid more than $4,300 for hours investigators say he never worked.
According to the sheriff’s office, 25-year-old Ezekiel Williams is charged with scheming to defraud, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, grand theft, and official misconduct.
Investigators said Williams was approved for light-duty work at Animal Control on March 24 due to an ongoing medical issue. His assigned schedule was Tuesday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., while Mondays were approved for PTO/FMLA medical appointments.
In April, Williams reportedly began frequently calling out of work by texting his assigned Animal Control supervisor. After repeated absences, the supervisor contacted Williams’ law enforcement chain of command over concerns that he was not reporting to his light-duty assignment.
A preliminary review of Williams’ time cards allegedly revealed discrepancies between the hours he actually worked and the hours he claimed to have worked. Detectives then launched a full investigation, including an audit of each pay period.
According to investigators, Williams falsely claimed 131.5 work hours during three separate pay periods, resulting in $4,318.39 in pay for hours not worked.
Sheriff Grady Judd said the agency gave Williams the opportunity to continue working while handling his medical issues, but alleged he instead stole county funds.
Williams was hired as a deputy sheriff on May 21, 2024. Authorities said he resigned before the investigation concluded and is currently being held on a $20,000 bond, with $5,000 assigned to each charge.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
