Former Wakulla County employee accused of stealing customer payments

WAKULLA COUNTY, Fla. — A former administrative assistant with the Wakulla County Public Works Administration has been charged with grand theft after admitting to embezzling from her job.

Kaila Slater, 29, was arrested by the Wakulla County Sheriff's Office on Monday. While working at the Wakulla County Public Works Administration, Slater’s responsibilities included receiving and depositing those cash payments.

In June, managers noticed fewer cash payments and conducted an audit. The audit revealed that multiple cash payments had been submitted by customers and receipted, but the deposits were not made into the county's bank account.

On June 25, the Wakulla County Public Works Administration reported the theft to the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office. The day after, Slater resigned from her position.

Through an investigation, detectives determined that between June 7 and June 25, a total of 14 cash payments totaling $715.69 were stolen.

While being interviewed by WCSO, deputies say Slater was shown multiple pieces of evidence. They say Slater eventually admitted to stealing the cash payments and stated she had done it because she was experiencing hard times, was going to be evicted, and did not qualify for public assistance.

According to WCSO, Slater expressed embarrassment and was remorseful for her actions, stating that she wanted to pay back the county. Based on the evidence, she has been charged with grand theft and was taken to the Wakulla County Jail.

The Wakulla County Public Works Administration collects revenue for over 900 sewer accounts, 104 water accounts, 10 septic hauler accounts, and the fuel depot on Trice Lane.