LIFESTYLE

OCSO names 2014 Investigator of the Year

Staff Writer
The Destin Log
Investigator Les Wolthers, left, is pictured with Okaloosa County Sheriff Larry Ashley.

Investigator Les Wolthers has proved to be a committed, well-rounded, and skilled investigator who is always open to new challenges and to exploring new methods and techniques.

Investigator Wolthers’ work ethic shone through when he began investigating a large scale counterfeiting case in February 2014. It initially appeared to be an isolated case, but in fact grew to more than 40 documented cases at several area businesses. Investigator Wolthers was able to uncover the manufacturer and distribution source of the counterfeit money. His cases involved countless interviews and the planning and execution of eight search warrants. Those efforts resulted in three federal indictments and another arrest on state charges.

Along with work ethic, another strong point is his skilled report writing and the quality of his search warrants is exceptional.

Wolthers volunteers with special needs children at Silver Sands School, assists with the citizen’s firearms safety course, and is godfather to six children whom he treats to a weeklong trip to Disney World each year.

Wolthers is a key member of the investigations team and serves as a great example to his peers both professionally and personally.