TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – A state lawmaker wants to crack down on city, county and state workers who steal from taxpayers. As it stands now, the law doesn't require stolen cash to be repaid.
A former Department of Revenue employee was given probation in 2013 after she stole more than $14,000 in sales taxes from the state. She was ordered to pay the money back, but at the rate of $1 a month.
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The judge in that case did not disclose why she ordered thousands of dollars in restitution to be paid back at the rate of $1 a month. Under the order, it would be hundreds of years before taxpayers are made whole.
"So I've authored legislation to require a payback of monies that have been stolen to the taxpayers," said Rep. Matt Gaetz.
Gaetz filed Legislation, giving judges no choice but to order anyone working for a city, county or state agency that are caught stealing from their employer to pay the money back.
"In the State of Florida, if a government official steals money, there's no requirement in the law today that that money actually be paid back at the conclusion of someone's sentence," Gaetz said.
The payback requirement would apply to anyone -- from a bus driver caught stealing to the mayor of a city.
Paying back the stolen money would be on top of any other sentence. Public relations expert Ron Sachs polled the idea and said it resonates with taxpayers.
"There's huge public support in Florida among the voting public -- 87 percent -- for getting restitution from any public official, elected or appointed, who steals from taxpayers," Sachs said.
The Legislation also requires judges to impose 250 hours of community service, without exception, on top of the restitution and possible jail time.