On 01/08/2018, detectives with the Gainesville Police Department arrested Deputy Anthony Simoneaux for Grand Theft.
The money that was taken was evidentiary and part of an ongoing criminal investigation. He was taken to the Alachua County Department of the Jail where he was booked in without incident.
CBS4 reports that Simoneaux took $9,900.00 cash that was being held as evidence from an investigation, and hid it in his boot.
Anthony Simoneaux then took the boot filled with cash and hid it in a wooded area near 100 NE 35th Place. Police discovered the money during a search and arrested Simoneaux on the scene at 10:26 pm.
Deputy Anthony Simoneaux was hired in May 1998 and is currently assigned to the Gainesville/Alachua County Drug Task Force.
Based on the initial investigation conducted by the Gainesville Police Department, Mr. Simoneaux has been terminated by Sheriff Sadie Darnell for violation of Sheriff’s office policy regarding personal, criminal conduct.
A parallel Internal Investigation by the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, Office of Professional Standards (OPS), has also been initiated.
At this time we are unable to provide any additional information because of ongoing OPS investigation and Florida Statute 112 and 119 restrictions. Please contact the Gainesville Police Department for any details regarding the criminal investigation.