The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) has launched an investigation into financial irregularities at the Levy County Sheriff’s Office. The probe was initiated after Sheriff Bobby McCallum dismissed Finance Director Christina “Nicole” Gore following the discovery of discrepancies in agency finances. McCallum expressed shock and embarrassment over the situation, which led to an internal review and subsequent request for a criminal investigation. Gore had been with the office since 2015, holding key positions including finance director since 2019. Although details of the mismanagement remain undisclosed due to the ongoing investigation, McCallum emphasized that the amount involved is significant but less than six figures.

Trusted Employee's Fall from Grace

Nicole Gore, who joined the Levy County Sheriff’s Office in June 2015, once enjoyed the full confidence of Sheriff Bobby McCallum. She quickly rose through the ranks, earning accolades such as Employee of the Year in 2017 and being promoted to finance director in late 2019. Gore was responsible for managing a substantial budget of $22 million. However, her tenure took an unexpected turn when McCallum uncovered troubling inconsistencies in financial records during his review in November. This discovery shattered the trust between them, leading to her dismissal.

Gore’s fall from grace came as a surprise to many within the department. Initially trusted and respected, she was tasked with overseeing critical financial operations. When McCallum began noticing unexplained discrepancies in credit card statements and other financial documents, he felt compelled to take action. Despite her previous accomplishments, the mounting evidence left no room for doubt. McCallum described feeling embarrassed and shocked by the revelations, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. He stressed the importance of transparency and accountability, even if it meant facing public scrutiny.

Initiating a Comprehensive Investigation

Following the initial findings, Sheriff McCallum promptly initiated an internal investigation to uncover the extent of the financial irregularities. Recognizing the seriousness of the issue, he decided to involve external authorities. McCallum requested the FDLE’s Gainesville office to conduct a criminal investigation, emphasizing the need for impartiality and thoroughness. The investigation aims to determine the scope and nature of the alleged mismanagement, ensuring all relevant parties are held accountable.

The investigation into Gore’s actions is still in its early stages, and McCallum remains tight-lipped about specific details. He did reveal that the amount involved is substantial but falls short of six figures. McCallum underscored the importance of acting swiftly upon discovering suspicious activities, stating that the department’s integrity and public trust were paramount. To maintain continuity, Tammy Meadows, the former financial assistant, has assumed Gore’s responsibilities. McCallum reiterated his commitment to transparency and justice, assuring the public that all necessary steps are being taken to address this serious matter.