FORMER MONROE COUNTY EMPLOYEE ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY STEALING $764 CASH FROM TRANSIT BUS SYSTEM

KEY WEST – Former Monroe County employee Chantel Winters was arrested Jan. 29, 2018 for allegedly stealing $764 in cash that was collected from riders using the Monroe County Transit System buses. Winters was charged with grand theft (more than $300), a third-degree felony.

Winters was a transportation dispatcher/reservationist in the County’s Social Services Department. During an internal department audit of its cash handling practices, Social Services Director Sheryl Graham was alerted that there appeared to be cash that was collected for the County-provided bus service that was not deposited into the County’s bank account.

On Aug. 22, 2017, Graham contacted the County Attorney’s Office, which immediately asked the State Attorney’s Office to launch the investigation. The County promptly suspended Winters without pay during the investigation. She resigned Oct. 16, 2017.

“There is no tolerance for any theft or mishandling of County money,” Monroe County Administrator Roman Gastesi said. “We are glad our internal audit worked and we continue to review and improve all cash handling practices in all our departments.”

Winters was hired by the County on Sept. 9, 2013. She earned $33,339.22 annually.

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