Lakeland Police Officer Resigns After Arrest For Falsifying Time Slips

Miguel Acevedo, 44, was arrested and booked into the Polk County Jail on Tuesday, July 7, after an investigation determined he falsified time slips for off-duty detail assignments as a Lakeland Police officer, according to a press release from Lakeland Police Department (LPD). Acevedo resigned from his position with LPD immediately after being processed.

The investigation identified 54 incidents between July 7, 2022, and May 26, 2026, when electronic records revealed that Acevedo either clocked into or out of an assignment while located outside the geographic boundaries of the worksite. These incidents resulted in approximately $1,046.50 in compensation paid to Acevedo for time associated with attendance discrepancies and location irregularities, according to the release.

Acevedo has been charged with two third-degree felonies: grand theft and scheming to defraud.

“Our officers are entrusted with serving the community with integrity, professionalism, and accountability,” said Chief Sam Taylor in a statement. “Maintaining the public’s trust requires every member of the Lakeland Police Department to meet the highest standards of conduct, both on and off duty. When an officer fails to uphold those standards, it is our responsibility to ensure they are held accountable.”

According to the release, Acevedo had been on administrative leave since the start of the investigation. He was paid an annual salary of $90,451. The arrest will be subject to an administrative review.