david_mcelligott_web.jpgFormer Fort Lauderdale police officer David Michael McElligott, 47, has been sentenced to 21 months in prison for defrauding the city of Fort Lauderdale.

McElligott worked as a Fort Lauderdale police officer from 1991 until his arrest late last year.

Since 2001 he had been on extended military leave to serve in the U.S. Air Force, as first detailed in a South Florida Times investigative report last year.

Beginning in September 2003, McElligott had been presenting the city of Fort Lauderdale police department falsified military leave orders and earnings statements to get increased supplemental pay, preserved his job and other benefits.

As a result, he received a total $312,270.65 in improper shift differential, longevity bonuses, and other benefits over the 8-year period. McElligott must also pay full restitution to the city and serve two years of probation.

 

*Pictured above is former officer David Michael McElligott.