During the conference, I had the privilege of recognizing Lee County Sheriff’s Deputy Raymond Arce. Before moving to Florida, Deputy Arce served in Chicago—where he felt he didn’t have the support of the community or its leaders.
Searching social media for new opportunities, Deputy Arce came across outreach from Florida and heard our message of strong support for those who wear the badge. It inspired him to act. A few months later, he moved to Florida and joined our great law enforcement family. Deputy Arce is just one of a growing number of officers who are realizing that in Florida, we back the blue and our leaders appreciate their service and sacrifice.
Last year, I created the Be A Florida Hero initiative—a statewide recruitment tool to help spread this important message and promote law enforcement career opportunities throughout the state. Thanks to Governor Ron DeSantis and our legislative leaders, we secured additional resources to recruit new officers as well as raises for current officers.
I am excited that the country is taking notice of our strong support for those who swear an oath to protect and serve. By supporting these brave officers and giving them the tools they need to succeed, we are building a Stronger, Safer Florida.
In The News
Florida continues to recruit law enforcement officers from out of state, The Center Square
Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody warns of increase in moving scams during summer, NBC 5 West Palm Beach
Wawa, Florida reach settlement over 2019 data breach, Tampa Bay Business Journal
Ashley Moody Warns Floridians About Moving Scams, Florida Daily
Florida AG Ashley Moody: America Is Having A ‘Wait, What?’ Moment When It Comes To Lawlessness, FOX News Radio
Summer Scam Series: Florida Attorney General warns of summer moving scams, ABC 9 Orlando
AG Moody warns of moving scams as part of Summer Scam Series, ABC 7 Sarasota
Florida attorney general shares ways to spot possible moving scams, WINK News
Protecting Floridians
Attorney General Moody Secures Millions of Dollars in Multistate Action Following Massive Data Breach
Attorney General Ashley Moody secured $8 million as a result of a multistate action following a Wawa data breach. The announcement comes after an investigation into a December 2019 data breach that compromised potentially up to 34 million payment cards used at Wawa stores. Attorney General Moody is joined in the multistate action by the attorneys general of five other states, as well as Washington, D.C. Florida will receive more than $1.1 million.
The data breach occurred after hackers gained access to the company’s computer network and deployed malware on point-of-sale terminals. The malware extracted customers’ sensitive payment card information between April 18, 2019, and Dec. 12, 2019, and affected stores in each of the six states where Wawa operates—Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia—along with Washington, D.C.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Hackers will go to great lengths to steal personal information—often targeting businesses to access the data of millions of consumers. It is important that companies take reasonable measures to protect their customers from data breaches. Through a multistate action, we are securing millions of dollars and an agreement that Wawa will implement measures to better protect the sensitive information provided by its customers.” Read More
Attorney General Moody Announces Arrest of Caretaker Charged with Stealing Thousands of Dollars from a Florida Senior
Attorney General Ashley Moody and the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of a live-in caretaker charged with stealing thousands of dollars from a Florida senior. The caretaker, Cynthia Sirmans, used the victim’s credit card while the senior spent time in the hospital due to a life-threatening illness. During a four-month period, Sirmans charged more than $47,000 to the victim’s card. The transactions ranged from gift-card purchases to expensive, radio-controlled cars.Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “The defendant in this case was trusted to take care of a Florida senior, but while the victim was in the hospital with a life-threatening illness, she used the opportunity to rack up tens of thousands of dollars in fraudulent credit-card charges in the victim’s name. Working with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, we uncovered the scheme and now the so-called caregiver will have to face my Statewide Prosecutors and answer for her crimes.” Read More
Care Provider Arrested for Medicaid Fraud Totaling More Than $11,000
Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, with the assistance of the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, arrested a self-employed care provider for one count of Medicaid provider fraud. Kimberly Greene Byrd is accused of submitting more than $11,000 worth of fraudulent claims to the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, including billing for hours not worked.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “This defendant, over the course of eight months, submitted false billing claims to the Medicaid program, causing a loss of thousands of taxpayer dollars. My Medicaid Fraud Control Unit will now ensure she faces the consequences of her crimes.” Read More
Events
This week, Attorney General Ashley Moody spoke to law enforcement leaders at the 2022 Florida Sheriffs Association Summer Conference. Attorney General Moody highlighted nationwide law enforcement recruitment efforts to fill vacancies with new officers moving to Florida. To see opportunities across the state, visit BeAFloridaHero.com.
Attorney General Moody and Levy County Sheriff Bobby McCallum presenting the FSA Distinguished Service Award to Agent Tyler Thoman of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office. Agent Thoman exhibited exceptional bravery while under attack by an armed suspect who had already shot another BCSO deputy. Agent Thoman’s actions saved the injured deputy’s life.
