Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Sterling Le’nardis Griffin, 34, was arrested last night after allegedly depositing around $1,500 of his employer’s funds into his personal bank account.

The manager of Zaxby’s (3710 SW Archer Road) realized that the previous night’s deposit was absent from the deposit safe upon her arrival on August 10. She contacted the corporate office, which reviewed surveillance footage and confirmed that Griffin had not placed the money in the deposit safe after closing the restaurant on the previous night.

At approximately 8 a.m., the manager called Griffin, who reportedly promised to bring the money when his shift began. However, after Griffin was late for his shift later that day, the manager called him again. He reportedly said he was en route but failed to appear.

A Gainesville Police Department officer contacted Griffin, and they agreed on a time for the officer to meet Griffin at his home; Griffin was subsequently arrested at his residence.

During the arrest, Griffin reportedly made a spontaneous statement explaining he had a family emergency and intended to return the money upon returning to work.

After being read his Miranda rights, Griffin reportedly admitted to taking the money and depositing it in his own bank account because he was uncomfortable driving with such a large amount of cash. He reportedly claimed he had a family emergency requiring out-of-town travel, which prevented him from working or returning the money. Griffin stated he planned to discuss the matter with his manager after addressing the emergency and intended to return the funds; the officer noted that Griffin still has not returned the missing money but claimed it was “safe in his bank account.”

Griffin has been charged with grand theft. He has no adult criminal convictions; Judge Susan Miller-Jones set bail at $20,000 but authorized Court Services to release him on his own recognizance after he is screened for day reporting.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.