Staff report

ARCHER, Fla. – Justin Bobby Southard, 34, was arrested yesterday and charged with grand theft after allegedly stealing $14,500 in cash deposits from the City of Archer, his employer.

On the morning of September 9, an Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy responded to Archer City Hall, where the acting City Manager said she had been reviewing financial paperwork and noticed that some receipts and money were missing; specifically, the receipts were for cash deposits from June, July, and August, and the City Manager said Southard and one other employee would be responsible for that cash. She said she asked both employees about the missing cash and receipts, and Southard admitted to taking the money. Southard reportedly said he was going to pay it back when he could.

The deputy reported that Southard was packing his desk when he arrived.

Post Miranda, Southard reportedly became emotional and admitted to stealing $14,500 in cash. When the deputy asked what he did with the money, he reportedly said he spent it on his kids and “personal use”; he did not explain what “personal use” was. Southard reportedly said the money was all gone and apologized for stealing it.

Southard has been charged with grand theft over $10,000. He has no criminal history, and Judge Susan Miller-Jones ordered him released on his own recognizance.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.