SUMTER COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – According to an announcement from the department, a Sumter County Sheriff’s Deputy was terminated and arrested on Thursday, March 7, 2026, for allegedly stealing narcotic medication from the county’s disposal boxes.

Dennis L. Turner, Jr., who began his career with the department as a civilian in April 2019 before becoming a road patrol deputy in May 2023, was working in a community relations capacity at the time of his termination.

According to the announcement, an investigation was initiated after suspicion arose that a secure drop box, which citizens use to dispose of expired or otherwise unneeded medications, had been tampered with. Covert surveillance video subsequently showed Turner use a key to which he had access to open the box and remove medication on Wednesday, March 6.

“As your Sheriff, I promised you transparency. Today, I had to terminate and arrest one of my own deputies for stealing narcotic medications from one of our medication drop boxes,” said Sumter County Sheriff Patrick Breeden in the announcement.

“I cannot adequately express the level of disappointment I feel—both personally and professionally—that this deputy chose to tarnish the star I entrusted to him. What I can tell you is that I will not tolerate this type of behavior within your Sheriff’s Office. I will continue to demand the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, and accountability from the men and women of the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office.”

Charges against Turner include:

  • 812.014.2c13 Grand Theft of a Controlled Substance (x2 counts)
  • 893.13.6a Possess of a Controlled Substance without a Prescription (x2 counts)
  • 810.02.4a Burglary Unoccupied Structure
  • 812.014.3a Petit Theft First Offense

“Additionally, it is important that we take every reasonable step to ensure incidents like this do not happen again,” Breeden added. “My office will conduct a comprehensive audit of our internal procedures related to this misconduct and we will implement additional measures aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.

“While this incident has tarnished our badge, it has not tarnished our resolve to represent you and our community in a manner fitting of public service.”