"This situation came to light through routine procedures, spot checks, and internal controls,
August 29, 2917
OKALOOSA CO. (WTVY) — The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office today charged an OCSO civilian employee with grand theft of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance without a prescription. 40-year old Deidra Rezzarday, a Property Room Technician, was placed on immediate suspension without pay on Thursday August 24th following the launch of a criminal investigation. She was not allowed access to any OCSO computers, resources, or facilities.
Investigators say Rezzarday committed criminal violations in connection with prescription drugs stored in Evidence that had been designated for destruction. Rezzarday admitting to taking medications from the Purge/Disposal area on four separate occasions for personal use. The theft appears to be limited in scope, involving only recent items designated for destruction, however in an abundance of caution, Sheriff Larry Ashley has ordered an internal audit of all items in Evidence. There are no indications any of the drugs (Xanax, Ambien, Clonazepam) involved criminal investigations or had any evidentiary value. It is also believed Rezzarday acted alone.
"This situation came to light through routine procedures, spot checks, and internal controls," said Sheriff Ashley. "Following her suspension our investigators moved as expeditiously and thoroughly as possible to determine if criminal charges were warranted. Unfortunately this individual broke the trust of her co-workers and our citizens by stealing medications that were to be destroyed/purged. She will be held accountable for breaking that trust and hopefully this incident will require that she get the help she needs. "
Rezzarday was hired by the OCSO in May 2004 as a Civil Process Clerk and transferred to her position as a Property Room Technician in February 2016.
Even though this incident was discovered relatively quickly, the OCSO is adding yet another layer of oversight and security to further strengthen its procedures in handling medications set aside for disposal.
The investigation is ongoing and if additional items are discovered missing, additional charges could be forthcoming.
