ROCKLEDGE, Fla.- Agents with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Jeffrey Hughey, 54, of Rockledge, Florida on grand theft. Hughey is a battalion chief with the Rockledge Fire Department.   He turned himself in to the Brevard County Jail on Friday.
 
Hughey is accused of stealing more than $1,500 worth of jewelry he found inside a city of Rockledge training vehicle during vehicle extraction training.  FDLE began its investigation in December 2015 at the request of Rockledge Police Chief Joseph LaSata and Fire Department Chief Tim Matson after they received information about the theft.
 
Rockledge Police Chief LaSata says, “We do not tolerate any criminal activity regardless of who breaks the law. When these allegations were brought to our attention, we acted quickly, and the FDLE investigation resulted in this arrest. The Rockledge Police and Fire Departments work hard to establish trust in the community, and we will not allow anyone to compromise that trust.”
 
Following the theft, Hughey kept the jewelry for several months before selling it.  Investigators believe the jewelry was sold for $1000-$2000.  
 
Hughey is being held on $2000 bond.  The State Attorney’s Office, 18th Judicial Circuit will prosecute this case. 
 
For Further Information Contact:
Gretl Plessinger, Molly Best or Steve Arthur
FDLE Office of Public Information
(850) 410-7001