A Sanford Police officer accused of falsifying official records to cover up double-dipping for off- and on-duty work was arrested Thursday and charged with grand larceny.

  • Sanford Police officer charged with 99 counts of misconduct
  • Jason Bunch resigned Monday, had been officer since 2013
  • Police say he falsified records to cover up double-dipping, other incidents

Jason David Bunch, 35, of Sanford, had been a police officer with the city of Sanford since March 2013. He resigned Monday after being on paid administrative leave during an investigation into his activities, police said.

Police said that in November 2016, supervisors found falsifications on his timesheets and records of his off-duty compensation. A criminal investigation ensued, which police said revealed that Bunch was double-dipping — or getting paid for off-duty details at the same time he was scheduled to work his regularly assigned shift. Investigators said Bunch also failed to show up for some off-duty details yet billed the vendor anyway, and on several occasions would go home early from an assigned area during his shift.

Police said vendors lost $3,717.88 and the city of Sanford lost $4,349.15 to Bunch, with a total loss estimated to be $8,067.03.

Bunch has been charged with two felonies: 99 counts of official misconduct and one count of grand larceny. He also faces a misdemeanor count of failure to perform duty required of an officer.

"No person has the right to cheat any business out of their money and services. A law enforcement officer is sworn to protect those rights for our residents and businesses, and Bunch took advantage of the trust surrounding his position. His dishonesty and criminal actions tarnish the continued dedication and honesty the Sanford Police Department has work hard to earn from our community," Chief Cecil Smith said in a statement.