Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) is facing a major internal investigation after 31-year-old officer Christian R. Madsen was arrested for allegedly orchestrating a massive overtime fraud scheme over three months. Thomas Kevin ‘T.K.’ Waters, the seventh sheriff of Jacksonville, announced the arrest and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to integrity.
Madsen, an 11-year veteran, is accused of submitting falsified claims for overtime traffic assignments between December 1, 2025, and February 7, 2026. Investigators report he claimed compensation for hours he did not work, totaling more than 200 hours and over $14,000 in unearned pay.
Adding complexity, Madsen was reportedly involved in a romantic relationship with his superior, Jaime Lynne Eason, 49. During the times Madsen allegedly logged work hours, he was visiting Eason’s residence, violating department nepotism and conflict-of-interest policies.
On February 25, 2026, Madsen was arrested, marking him as the second JSO officer arrested internally in 2026. Additionally, four other department employees have been arrested by external agencies this year, totaling six arrests linked to the department.
Eason, who was JSO’s first female chief of patrol, faced consequences despite no evidence that she knew Madsen was falsifying hours. She resigned her post and was officially demoted. An ongoing administrative process will address remaining internal matters.
Sheriff Waters praised investigators for uncovering the fraud and stressed transparency and accountability. “As we have said many times before, no one is above the law,” Waters stated, emphasizing the department’s commitment to restoring public trust and continuing the office’s operations without compromise.
