Former Deputy Arrested for Bank Robbery

A deputy from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office was arrested Saturday for allegedly robbing a bank. Christina Gates Thagard, 40, is accused of stealing more than $5,000 from TD Bank on May 3. Remarkably, the police apprehended her just 11 minutes after the incident, according to a Facebook update from the Ocala Police Department.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to Wesh2 that Thagard had worked with them previously, but not during the time of the alleged robbery. An email from MCSO indicated that her employment concluded on April 19, 2016.

Footage from the Ocala Police Department showed her being arrested, after which she was taken to police headquarters for questioning before being transferred to Marion County Jail.

During the robbery, Thagard reportedly requested $50,000 with a note labeled “Big Building” and made threatening statements about having a gun. Surveillance video captured her wearing a hoodie, sunglasses, a medical mask, and gloves during the incident.

According to police, they found “stolen money, clothing, medical gloves, and other items” in Thagard’s vehicle. She has been charged with robbery involving a firearm.