CHAMPIONSGATE, FL — Two Florida Highway Patrol veterans are out of their jobs and facing criminal charges after investigators said they billed a Central Florida community district for off-duty security work they did not actually do. Newly obtained arrest affidavits say the alleged scheme involved ChampionsGate assignments tied to the Champions Gate Community Development District.
Capt. Lenita King, 63, of Haines City, and Trooper Maurice Vilsaint, 42, of Reunion, were booked in Osceola County. FHP said both are no longer employed following the arrests.
How the system works
The case centers on off-duty police work, a common practice that lets officers wear agency uniforms and use patrol vehicles while providing security for outside clients. Those clients can include homeowners associations, construction firms and community development districts.
Under the arrangement, the outside group pays the officer directly, and the officer then reimburses the agency for fuel and equipment. FHP rules allow the practice, and it is widely used across Florida law enforcement…