St. Lucie Co. detention deputy arrested

ST. LUCIE COUNTY, FL--A St. Lucie County Sheriff's Deputy is accused of tarnishing her badge.
 
Detention Deputy Renea Thomas faces grand theft, forgery and official misconduct charges.

Sheriff Ken Mascara says Thomas falsely reported numerous days in 2009 in which she claimed to be on duty with her reserve unit and was paid military leave by the sheriff's office.

But, he alleges she wasn't on duty and she forged papers to claim she was.

"It is shocking and tragic to have to make such an announcement," Sheriff Mascara said in a news release. "It is particularly shocking that these crimes involved Renea Thomas' military service. She falsely reported numerous days in 2009 in which she claimed to be on duty with her Army Reserve unit, and was paid military leave by the Sheriff's Office for those days."

The sheriff also said, "The crimes committed by Renea Thomas are an insult to these courageous men and women, as well as an insult to me, the members of the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office and the people of St. Lucie County."

Thomas is on administrative leave without pay pending an internal affairs investigation.