Corrections Officers Arrested
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Two Putnam County Sheriff's Office Correctional Officers have been arrested for charges related to an insurance fraud investigation. One has been arrested for insurance fraud and obstruction of justice, and a second with obstruction of justice. The arrests stem from the reported theft of a white 2004 Dodge truck on January 24, 2009. The vehicle, owned by Corporal Anthony Harris, a PCSO Correctional Officer, was reported stolen from in front of his residence in San Mateo, Florida. Harris' vehicle was recovered on January 29, 2009 in Marion County, by the Marion County Sheriff's Office. It appeared the vehicle had been intentionally set on fire, and was totally destroyed.
Detectives assigned to investigate the theft of the truck interviewed both Corporal Anthony Harris, and Correctional Officer Timothy Chisholm, who was reported to be the individual who actually discovered the truck missing. Detectives discovered inconsistencies between Harris' and Chisholm's accounts of the theft, causing the investigators to focus their investigation toward the two correctional officers. Detectives determined that Harris was behind on his truck payments and possessed sufficient automobile insurance to fulfill the obligation with the lien holder.
The investigation revealed that Corporal Anthony Harris and Corrections Officer Timothy Chisholm were actively involved in the intentional setting fire to Harris' truck so Harris could fraudulently collect insurance payment. These individuals also provided detectives false information during the course of the investigation regarding the alleged theft.
Anthony Harris was arrested and charged with insurance fraud and obstruction of justice. He was booked into the Putnam County Jail with a bond of $1,508.00.
Correctional Officer Timothy David Chisholm was charged with obstruction of justice. He was booked into the Putnam County Jail with a bond of $504.00.
Both Harris and Chisholm could also face criminal charges of arson in Marion County for intentionally setting fire to Harris' truck. The arson is currently being investigated by the State Fire Marshall's Office.
Sheriff Hardy wants everyone to know that these employees have sworn to protect and serve the citizens of Putnam County. It is very disheartening when two people who you have entrusted with such responsibility are accused of such serious crimes. It is a sad day when you have to arrest two of your own.
Both Anthony Michael Harris (36 YOA) and Timothy Chisholm (30 YOA) have been employed with the Putnam County Sheriff's Office since 2005.
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