Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Sterling Le’nardis Griffin, 34, was arrested last night after allegedly depositing about $1,500 of his employer’s cash into his own bank account.

The manager of Zaxby’s (3710 SW Archer Road) noticed that the previous night’s deposit was missing from the deposit safe when she arrived on August 10, and she called the corporate office, which reviewed surveillance video and told her that Griffin had never placed the money in the deposit safe after closing up on the previous night.

At about 8 a.m., the manager called Griffin, who reportedly said he would bring the money when his shift started; however, when he was late for his shift later that day, the manager called Griffin again, and he reportedly said he was on the way but never showed up.

A Gainesville Police Department officer called Griffin, and they arranged a time for the officer to meet Griffin at his residence; Griffin was later arrested at his residence.

During the arrest, Griffin reportedly made a spontaneous statement that he had a family emergency and was going to return the money when he returned to work.

Post Miranda, Griffin reportedly admitted to taking the money and said he had deposited the money into his personal bank account because he was not comfortable driving with so much money on him. He reportedly said he had a family emergency and had to drive out of town, which is why he had not shown up for work or returned the money. He said he would speak with his manager after he handled the family emergency and would return the money; the officer noted that Griffin still has not returned the missing money but said the money is “safe in his bank account.”

Griffin has been charged with grand theft. He has no adult criminal convictions; Judge Susan Miller-Jones set bail at $20,000 but authorized Court Services to release him on his own recognizance after he is screened for day reporting.

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.