ARCHER, Fla. — The City of Archer is facing another financial blow after a city employee was arrested for stealing thousands of dollars in public funds amid an ongoing budget crisis.
Justin Southard, 33, was arrested by Alachua County deputies on Tuesday and charged with grand theft. According to court documents, $14,500 in public funds and related receipts were reported missing. Southard, who was responsible for managing deposits, allegedly admitted to taking the money for personal use and apologized.
The arrest was reported by Acting City Manager Deanna Alltop, who discovered the missing funds while reviewing financial records.
This latest scandal comes as Archer officials are still working to recover from a $1 million budget hole left by the city’s former manager. The city has been under financial strain for months, with leadership turnover and resignations raising concerns about oversight.
Resident Bill Lewandowski expressed frustration, saying, “It’s just another in a string of incidents. Almost a year ago, our city manager was fired, then our bookkeeper resigned under suspicious circumstances.”
Lewandowski believes the situation reflects poor executive oversight, adding, “It’s their job to prevent this, and that clearly isn’t happening.”
He further suggested temporarily suspending the city charter, allowing county officials to take over until proper reforms are put in place.
Another resident at a city meeting expressed sympathy for city leaders, stating, “To have your right hand betray you has got to be terrible.”
City officials have declined to comment on Southard’s arrest or the city’s broader financial troubles.
Southard is currently facing one charge of grand theft, and the investigation remains ongoing.
