Bradford County corrections officer fired, arrested after stealing $550 from inmate’s account, sheriff says

BRADFORD COUNTY, Fla. – A Bradford County corrections officer was fired and arrested after it was revealed that he stole $550 from an inmate’s account, Sheriff Gordon Smith said Thursday morning.

According to the sheriff, Francis Highland confessed to taking the funds from the account and was charged with two felony counts of fraudulently obtaining money and a misdemeanor count of theft.

Highland was immediately fired and his corrections certification is being sent to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to be reviewed for potential revocation, the sheriff said.

“The Bradford County Sheriff’s Office strives to be professional and beyond reproach. This individual has not only violated his oath to God and country,” Smith said.