A St. Lucie County detention deputy has been arrested after he allegedly pawned a .45 pistol that had been issued by his employer. He has been charged with grand theft of a firearm, dealing in stolen property and making a false verification to a pawnbroker. The deputy had worked at the St. Lucie County Jail since 2002.

Upon resigning from county employment, the man was asked to return all of equipment that he had been issued, but he failed to return the weapon. He later admitted to having pawned it. The gun had been purchased by the county for $469. It was later sold to somebody else for $320, and that person sold the gun again. Detention deputies don’t carry guns while inside of the jail. They’re issued a firearm from the county, and they’re required to carry that gun outside of the jail.

As per Indian River criminal defense attorney Jeffrey H. Garland, the theft of a firearm of any value in the State of Florida is a felony. The value of the stolen firearm isn’t an element of the offense. Anybody who is convicted of grand theft of a firearm in Florida can be sentenced to a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Dealing in stolen property is also a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. Making a false verification to a pawnbroker is yet another felony. The crime carries a potential sentence of up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

If you or somebody close to you is charged with grand theft, you’ll be in need of a quality felony defense attorney. Jeffrey H. Garland is an experienced and respected Indian River grand theft defense attorney with more than 35 years of experience. He’s board certified in criminal law by the Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization and Education. Never give a statement or confession to police. Contact Jeffrey H. Garland right away after any arrest at 772-489-2200 after any arrest.