On Dec. 8, 2023, an off-duty Baldwin County deputy sheriff found himself under arrest in the downtown area of Pensacola, Florida. The charge was Grand Theft Auto according to a news release from the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office.

The law enforcement agency was promptly informed of the incident, leading to the immediate placement of the deputy sheriff on paid administrative leave.

Following the arrest, a professional standards investigation was initiated on Dec. 11 to examine the circumstances surrounding the charges. The gravity of the situation prompted a subsequent decision to transition the deputy sheriff to unpaid administrative leave on Dec. 22. This status will be upheld pending the resolution of the ongoing investigation and the outcome of the charges in Florida.

At this time the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office is refraining from divulging further details regarding this ongoing personnel and disciplinary matter.