SPRINGFIELD, Mo. (KTTS) — Caydon Lewis, a 19-year-old Greene County Jail detention officer, was arrested for allegedly stealing $900 from an inmate’s personal property during his time at the jail. Lewis now faces a felony charge for stealing $750 or more.
According to court documents, the victim, who was brought to Greene County Jail on Feb. 22, 2025, for a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) hold, had $900 in cash upon arrival. The money was handed over to Lewis, who was tasked with securing and sealing the cash in the inmate’s personal property bag.
However, when the victim was released on March 6, he discovered that his $900 was missing. After an inquiry, ICE officials decided to keep the victim in custody until the issue was resolved. Upon reviewing jail video footage, investigators noticed discrepancies—specifically, the victim’s property bag was no longer vacuum-sealed and was found open.
Further investigation showed that Lewis was seen pacing in the property room and the audio footage indicated him unpacking the personal property bag. During an interview with the Greene County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division on March 6, Lewis admitted to stealing the $900. He also confessed to burning the stolen money on his family’s property and using part of it to purchase three firearms totaling $1,087.
Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott stated that such actions are completely unacceptable and contrary to the Sheriff’s Office’s mission. Lewis was placed under arrest and charged with theft of $750 or more. He was booked into the Greene County Jail with a $5,000 bond, although he has since been released.
Sheriff’s Office Statement
Sheriff Jim Arnott emphasized the severity of the breach of trust, noting that this type of behavior goes against the values of the Greene County Sheriff’s Office. “Actions like this will not be tolerated as they go against our mission and how we serve the citizens of Greene County,” he said in the release.
Investigation Ongoing
While the Sheriff’s Office has reimbursed the victim for the stolen funds, the investigation is continuing. The public is encouraged to remain vigilant, as actions of this nature undermine the integrity of law enforcement institutions.
