Employee Arrested for Stealing Over $14k From the City of Archer

ARCHER ‒ A City of Archer employee was arrested Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, after investigators say he stole more than $14,000 in municipal funds over a three-month period.

Justin Bobby Southard, 34, of Archer, faces a felony charge of grand theft after admitting to taking $14,500 in cash deposits that should have been submitted to the city, according to the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office.

The case unfolded when Interim City Manager Deanna Alltop reviewed financial records and discovered discrepancies in receipts and deposits for the months of June, July and August. The missing funds involved cash payments that had been collected but never deposited into the city’s accounts.

According to the incident report, Alltop noted that Southard and one other staff member were responsible for handling cash transactions. When she questioned the two employees, Southard admitted to taking the money, stating that he intended to repay it when possible.

Authorities say Southard was in the process of clearing out his desk when deputies arrived at City Hall.

Deputies reported that Southard became emotional after being read his Miranda rights and confessed to taking the missing deposits. He allegedly told investigators that he used the money to care for his children and for unspecified “personal use.” Officials said Southard acknowledged the money was gone and expressed remorse for his actions.

Southard was arrested and charged with grand theft of more than $10,000, a second-degree felony under Florida law. He has no prior criminal history, court records show.

During his first court appearance, Judge Susan Miller-Jones ordered Southard’s release on his own recognizance, meaning he will not be required to post bail while awaiting trial.

City officials have not disclosed how the theft may affect Archer’s budget, though missing deposits of this size represent a significant loss for Archer, a city of just over 1,100 residents.

Southard’s case remains pending in Alachua County court. If convicted, he could face restitution, probation, or a prison sentence under state sentencing guidelines.

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