FDLE agents have arrested Edgar Marrero, 44, of Port St. Lucie, on charges of official misconduct, falsifying records and grand theft.
Marrero worked for Child Abuse Services, Training and Life Enrichment, known as CASTLE, a subcontractor of the Florida Department of Children and Families. He was terminated by CASTLE in November 2016.
Shortly after his termination the DCF Office of Inspector General conducted an investigation and learned that Marrero had falsely claimed to have conducted home visits of adult clients in St. Lucie and Indian River counties. He also submitted false information on state travel vouchers. In April 2018, the OIG contacted FDLE, which launched a separate criminal investigation.
Agents learned that while Marrero was a supervisor, he did not visit the Vero Beach field office of CASTLE every week as required, but created inaccurate case notes and travel records reflecting he had. Agents found Marrero received reimbursement for travel expenses between January and November 2016 that he did not incur. He also recorded dozens of home visits for different case clients, but it was determined that most of these home visits were never conducted.
Marrero was taken to the St. Lucie County jail on a $60,000 bond. The State Attorney’s Office, 19th Judicial Circuit, will prosecute.
