Deputy Ernesto McCloud, 28, of Lakeland, was arrested and charged with Petit Theft and Armed Burglary.
According to the arrest affidavit, deputies responded to assist the Davenport Police Department on an alarm call at the Mystic convenience store located at 304 U.S. Highway 17-92 in Davenport.
McCloud was the first deputy to arrive as back-up.
During the investigation, Davenport Police retrieved video surveillance from the store. While reviewing the footage, officers saw McCloud removing a DVD from the store post-burglary — hiding it in his uniform.
According to reports, after conducting a security check of the store, McCloud took it upon himself to walk behind the sales counter. The video showed McCloud standing over merchandise that had been thrown to the floor during the burglary. He bent over, picked up a DVD, and stuffed it in his uniform shirt.
During questioning, McCloud admitted to taking a DVD and placing it underneath his body armor. He said he took it because he had never seen it before.
He was charged with Armed Burglary because he was wearing his service weapon at the time he stole the DVD.
McCloud threw away his career for a DVD valued at $10.00.
McCloud was originally hired as a corrections officer, but was later hired as a deputy. He has worked for the PCSO for nearly five years.
His photo was released to Ocala Post. The PCSO said unlike some agencies in Florida, they do not allow deputies to hide behind their badge after they have committed a crime.
“This behavior is atrocious and will not be tolerated by our agency. We are all disgusted by his behavior and he is now in jail where he belongs. Ernesto McCloud said it best himself – he threw away a career for a $10 DVD,” Polk County Sheriff, Grady Judd said. “McCloud resigned effective immediately upon his arrest, and would have been terminated had he not resigned.”
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