Lake Hamilton issued an employment termination letter on Aug. 4 to its finance director, Deldrion Peterson, who was accused of misappropriating town funds for his personal use.
“After a thorough review and investigation, it has been brought to my attention that you have engaged in conduct that constitutes a serious violation of the Town’s financial policies, employee code of conduct, and ethical standards,” a termination letter in his personnel file said.
“Specifically, evidence confirms that you misappropriated Town funds for your personal use without authorization,” the letter said. “This constitutes a breach of trust and a violation of your obligations to the Town. Such misconduct serves as grounds for immediate termination.”
Peterson was also asked to return any town property in his possession, the letter said. And the town reserves all rights to pursue legal remedies, including restitution of misappropriated funds as well as other appropriate legal actions.
Another letter in Peterson’s personnel file said a review of town records determined that $2,337.22 was used by him on the Town’s WEX account without authorization in or between February and July.
A list of transactions provided to The Ledger shows Peterson made more than two dozen gasoline purchases at Shell and SUNOCO gas stations in Lake Hamilton and the Racetrac and Circle K in Lakeland from Oct. 24 to July 22.
He was told to repay the town in full and funds from his final paycheck would be deducted to recover the missing funds, the other letter said. Any remaining balance owned needed to be paid within 10 days to avoid further action, including potential legal action.
Because of his dismissal, he was not eligible to receive unused vacation or sick leave as the town’s personnel policy states.
Peterson of Lakeland applied in May 2024 for the job in Lake Hamilton. He listed previous employment since August 2019 with the roads and drainage division in Winter Haven, a fiscal coordinator for Polk County’s Division of Health and Human Services Bartow, and the waste and recycling division in Winter Haven.
He attended Havana Northside High School and Tallahassee Community College before studying at Polk State College for a bachelor’s degree in business administration.
He was hired as the full-time permanent Lake Hamilton finance director in early July 2024, town records show. By October, he had gained a $1.15 raise and was earning a rate of $30 per hour. In February and June, respectively, his hourly rate was adjusted upward again to $40 and then $41.20 per hour.
In Peterson’s annual review signed by Town Manager Brittney Sandoval, he averaged an overall score of 3 points on a scale of one to four, giving him a score that “exceeds requirements.”
“Del has demonstrated his drive by addressing issues when they arise and finding a solution in every situation. He has gained knowledge for his position over the past year and continues to do so. He shows a strong leadership mentally and always works with the team for the betterment of the town,” she wrote.
She added, “There is a lack of overall understanding of the reconciliation process and details in the financial system that we continue to work on. … Continue to work on your overall understanding of ADG and the reconciliation process.”
Peterson signed the evaluation on July 7, records show.
Beyond providing town records, Sandoval did not respond to further questions about the termination or next steps for Lake Hamilton. Peterson did not immediately repond to an email sent late on Aug. 15 requesting comment.
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