Former Florida Public Defender Staffer Charged With Stealing $65,000 From Incarcerated Client

Jessica Elizabeth McVay, a former Veterans Affairs coordinator for Florida’s 12th Judicial Circuit Public Defender’s Office, was arrested on September 23rd for allegedly stealing approximately $65,000 from an incarcerated woman. Investigators claim McVay, who was entrusted to manage the victim's finances, misused the victim's bank accounts and credit cards between November 2025 and July 2026. Allegations include unauthorized Zelle transfers, ATM withdrawals, and payments toward McVay's personal credit cards. McVay faces multiple felony charges, including grand theft and fraud, with an arraignment scheduled for October 30th.