A 22-year veteran of the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office resigned last month in the middle of an internal investigation into how he handled overtime hours and time records, according to a news release from the agency.
The Sheriff’s Office said it spent several weeks conducting an administrative review and internal investigation into the conduct of a deputy sheriff. Investigators were looking into allegations of overtime abuse and falsification of time records.
Who Was Investigated
The subject of the investigation was Sgt. Carl Griffith, who had been assigned to the Civil Division of the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office. Griffith resigned his position effective Nov. 20, before the internal affairs investigation could be completed.
All of the alleged violations are said to have occurred in 2017. The Sheriff’s Office said it also looked into whether anyone else may have been involved in or associated with the allegations, and at this point investigators say there is no evidence that any other deputy was involved.
Federal and State Money Involved
Because some of the overtime hours in question were reimbursed through federal and state funds set aside for special traffic enforcement, the case carries implications beyond the agency itself. The Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office notified both the Baldwin County District Attorney’s Office and the Southwest Regional Highway Safety Office in Mobile, the agency that administers some of that traffic enforcement funding.
A complete audit of the hours in question is underway, with the results set to be forwarded to the district attorney’s office once complete. Depending on the outcome of that review, the Sheriff’s Office said the former deputy could be required to reimburse the county for any misused time, and could also face prosecution.
Limited Comment While Investigation Continues
Citing the ongoing criminal investigation, audit and referral to the district attorney’s office, the Sheriff’s Office said it would not be providing further comment or interviews at this time. Officials said Sheriff Huey "Hoss" Mack would address additional questions once the investigation and review are fully concluded.
Griffith’s departure ends a 22-year career with the agency, cut short amid the unresolved questions over how his overtime hours were logged and reported.