May 20, 2013
September 5, 2012
TALLAHASSEE—Florida’s Chief Financial Officer Jeff Atwater today announced the appointment of veteran law enforcement officer and Florida Department of Law Enforcement Chief of Investigations Jay Etheridge as Deputy CFO over Law Enforcement. Mr. Etheridge will oversee the Department of Financial Services’ Division of Insurance Fraud, which enforces the criminal laws related to insurance transactions; Division of State Fire Marshal, which is responsible for conducting fire, arson and explosives investigations; and the Division of Public Assistance Fraud, which investigates cases of fraud within federal and state public assistance programs.
“With more than 30 years of law enforcement experience serving his fellow Floridians, Jay has the experience and proven dedication to lead our team of law enforcement officers and work closely with our partners across the state to combat fraud, waste and abuse,” CFO Jeff Atwater said. “I am honored that he agreed to join our team and know that he will be an asset to Floridians.”
Mr. Etheridge began his career as an officer with the Tallahassee Police Department. His service with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement began in 1990 as a Special Agent rising to Chief of Domestic Security in 2010 and serving most recently as Chief of Investigations. Etheridge has a proven track record as a budget watchdog, strategic planner and a goal-oriented manager. Etheridge has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminology from Florida State University and graduated from the FBI National Academy in 2009.
“It is an honor and the highlight of my law enforcement career to join CFO Atwater’s team serving the citizens of the State of Florida,” Mr. Etheridge said.
Combating fraud is one of CFO Atwater’s top priorities. Fraud of all types, including insurance, financial and public assistance programs, compound the financial burden on Floridians.
