Former Crestview police officer jailed on retail theft charge

A rookie officer fired from the Crestview Police Department following her arrest on a charge of retail theft and shoplifting is serving time in jail.

Okaloosa County Judge Jim Ward sentenced Elizabeth Anna Madison, 26, to a maximum of 30 days in county jail, to six months of probation and to 24 hours of community service. In addition, she must pay $525 in court costs, according to information on the Okaloosa County Clerk of Courts website.

Madison entered a plea of no contest to the charge.

The charge stems from a June 25 incident when Madison was observed “removing clothing items” from the Crestview Wal-Mart and “concealing them in a carry bag,” according to a statement issued by the police department after she was arrested.

“Elizabeth, who was a probationary employee, was terminated from service with the Crestview Police Department immediately following her arrest for violation of Florida state statutes and department policies,” according to the police statement.

Madison was one of five new officers sworn in by Crestview Mayor David Cadle last April in a ceremony at City Hall. New officers must graduate from a police academy and pass a state examination.

The jail where Madison is incarcerated is not stipulated on the Clerk of Courts website. However, a search for Madison’s name on the Okaloosa County Jail website prompts a message that reads “not displayable.” The record indicates that an unidentified woman of Madison’s age was booked into the jail Monday and is serving a 30-day sentence.