NASSAU COUNTY, FLORIDA, Fla. — A Nassau County corrections deputy has been arrested on charges of official misconduct and grand theft after investigators say she falsified time records and collected thousands of dollars in unearned pay.

Arielle Hester, 36, was taken into custody Monday following an investigation by the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division. Authorities say the investigation began in July 2025 when discrepancies were found in Hester’s reported work hours.

According to investigators, Hester repeatedly claimed compensation for time she did not work, including instances where she claimed to have worked full 12-hour shifts when she had actually called out. They also allege she submitted fraudulent claims for in-service training, including one incident where she claimed 11 hours of training during an 8-hour session.

The Sheriff’s Office says the false timekeeping occurred between 2024 and 2025, totaling $4,478.63 in fraudulent compensation. Officials say Hester knowingly obtained more than $750 belonging to the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office by falsifying records, in violation of Florida law

“While these charges are deeply disappointing and troubling, if any member of our organization violates the public trust, we will thoroughly investigate and puruse appropriate criminal charges,” Sheriff Bill Leeper said. “This arrest demonstrates our commitment to transparency and our zero-tolerance policy for misconduct.”