Former Lee County Sheriff's Office commander arrested

MICHAEL BRAUN , MBRAUN@NEWS-PRESS.COM 7:24 p.m. EST December 29, 2016

A former Lee County Sheriff’s Office commander has been arrested following an investigation over discrepancies in is work hours.

A complaint was received by the LCSO in July 2016 about Commander Randy Crone regarding discrepancies in his work hours.

An internal review confirmed potential violations of criminal law and the complaint was turned over to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Economic Crimes Unit.

After the investigation, the case was forwarded to the state attorney’s office for consideration of an arrest warrant for the offenses of official misconduct, scheme to defraud and grand theft totaling more than $60,000. An arrest warrant on charges of grand theft (second degree) was issued.

On Thursday, Crone turned himself into the Lee County Jail.

Crone had worked for the Lee County Sheriff’s Office from Sept. 1991 until his retirement on July 5, 2016. His last position was commander of the Patrol Bureau.

“I am disappointed in the actions of this former member of our agency,” said Sheriff Mike Scott. “His actions should not reflect on the hard work and dedication that the members of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office provide to the citizens of Lee County each and every day.”

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