Former Okaloosa County, Florida Sheriff Charlie Morris pleaded not guilty this week to several counts of conspiracy to defraud the United States, theft, wire fraud and money laundering. Federal prosecutors allege that Morris and his former administrative director, Teresa Adams ran a kickback scheme for at least two years in which they gave fake bonuses to sheriff’s department employees, who were then asked to return some or all of the money to Morris and Adams via cash or cashier’s check.

The employees were apparently told that the money was going to charity. The FBI and IRS investigated and now allege that the sheriff received $115,500 in kickbacks. The indictment alleges that Morris and Adams gave bonuses to 15 employees ranging from $3000 to $15,000 (and totaling almost $200,000), requiring kickbacks ranging from $1000 to $12,000.

The government fraud charges are possible because the Okaloosa Sheriff’s office receives more than $10,000 in federal grant money annually. Misuse of department funds then implicates federal money.

Morris was the elected sheriff of Okaloosa County for 12 years before being replaced by an interim sheriff pending resolution of these charges. He was president of the Florida Sheriffs’ Association. He had recently been re-elected to his post.

On advice of his federal criminal defense attorney, Morris has not commented on the charges.

Government Fraud, White Collar Crimes

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