Five Nassau County Sheriff Deputies arrested in double-dipping investigation

Blackwell with Sheriff Leeper

Following a month-and-a-half long investigation, the Nassau County Sheriff's Office said they have arrested five employees - four sergeants and one deputy.

NCSO reported that Sergeant Brian Blackwell and Sergeant Wilfred Quick surrendered Thursday to the Nassau County Jail on misdemeanor theft and felony official misconduct charges.

The remaining two sergeants, Sgt. Joshua Huffmon and Sgt. Kellam Paolillo, have turned themselves in today and have been booked into the Nassau County Jail and Detention Center.

According to a NSCO press release, the agency received a tip the NSCO employees were violating state law enforcement and agency policy by receiving NSCO payments while also being paid by outside companies while working off-duty jobs.

The NCSO investigation found that the five employees were submitting payroll time sheets while also receiving pay checks from private employers while working "secondary employment" off-duty.

Under state law and NSCO policy, law enforcement officers are permitted to work for private employers while off-duty.

However, it is not permissible for officers to 'double-dip' in taking payroll checks from both a private employer and NCSO for doing the same work.

The agency said the employees were reported being 'on-duty' while working the private jobs.

All five employees have been terminated by NCSO.

NCSO said Deputy Michael Brandon submitted time sheets when in reality he was at his home during most of shift, which the agency said constitutes theft. NSCO said Brandon worked out a plea agreement with the State Attorney's Office for a pre-trial disposition of the criminal case and was terminated. He agreed to pay restitution as part of the agreement.

NSCO said the total amount paid to the five employees was $14,007.86

"While I sincerely appreciate the years of service each of these employees and the sacrifices each has made while protecting and serving our

community, especially as the law enforcement profession becomes increasingly difficult and dangerous, I am deeply disappointed in the actions of these former employees," said Sheriff Bill Leeper.