Sarasota County Sheriff's deputy arrested on fraud charges

A former Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office deputy was taken into custody on Wednesday, Oct. 4, on a charge of third-degree felony scheme to defraud.

Preston Hines was placed on administrative leave on Sept. 25 following an investigation into allegations he had been paid $1,051.38 for working contracted overtime details for which he was not entirely present. 

The claim noted Hines had worked 10 overtime details since April 2023. Hines documented he worked the contracted and required time frame; however, through an investigation it was determined that he routinely arrived late and left early. At times, Hines was found to have arrived 15 to 20 minutes after the contracted start time and left several hours before the end of his details. 

Hines had been employed with the Sheriff’s Office since August 2020 and was assigned to the agency’s patrol bureau.