A veteran Lakeland police officer is out of uniform and facing felony charges after investigators say he quietly padded his off-duty time sheets over several years. The Lakeland Police Department says the internal probe led to his arrest yesterday, which officers carried out without incident, and the officer resigned shortly afterward.
What investigators found
According to Tampa Bay 28, the department's investigation found that Officer Miguel Acevedo, 44, reported hours and locations for off-duty detail work that did not line up with electronic records between July 7, 2022, and May 26, 2026. Investigators say they counted 54 separate incidents totaling about $1,046.50 in disputed pay. Acevedo had been on administrative leave since the inquiry started, according to the same report.
Department response
In a department statement quoted by FOX 13, Chief Sam Taylor said officers must “meet the highest standards of conduct, both on and off duty.” The statement stressed that public trust hinges on integrity and promised that anyone who falls short of those expectations will be held accountable. The agency added that the arrest is still subject to a separate administrative review.
Charges and booking
The department says Acevedo was booked into the Polk County Jail on felony counts of grand theft and scheming to defraud, then resigned immediately after he was processed. Lakeland police also said Acevedo's annual salary was $90,451 and that the department flagged payments tied to the disputed off-duty detail shifts during its review, according to Tampa Bay 28.
Why it matters
Questions about off-duty time sheets are not unique to Lakeland. Departments across the region lean on off-duty details and electronic tracking to manage supplemental income, and when the numbers do not match, it can quickly turn from an internal headache into a criminal case.
In 2022, FOX 13 reported on a Winter Haven officer accused of fraudulently claiming hours he did not work. That earlier case underscored how discrepancies in off-duty logs can bring both administrative discipline and potential criminal charges.
Legal implications
Under Florida law, theft is defined by Fla. Stat. §812.014 and can rise to grand theft depending on the amount involved and the circumstances. The Florida Communications Fraud Act, Fla. Stat. §817.034, covers broader schemes to defraud. Penalties vary by degree and can include felony convictions and prison time if prosecutors move forward and can prove intent based on the evidence.
What’s next
Polk County prosecutors will decide whether to file formal charges while Lakeland police continue their internal administrative review. Acevedo's resignation ends his career with the department, but it does not stop the criminal process. This story will be updated when prosecutors file charges or the department releases additional information.
