Former deputy arrested for illegal computer database use

A former Ocean Reef public safety department security commander and former Sheriff’s Office deputy was arrested July 14 following a sheriff’s office-led investigation into illegal access to law enforcement computer databases.

Thomas Edward Kiffney, 53, of Homestead, was charged with 30 third-degree felony counts of accessing a computer/electronic device without authorization.

Kiffney was employed as the security commander at the Ocean Reef Club in Key Largo when he learned the club was looking for a new company to run legal background checks on those entering the property. Kiffney, who was then also employed part-time as a sheriff’s office reserve deputy, created a for-profit company called Executive Backgrounds, and pitched the company to club officials without telling them he was the real financial beneficiary. An associate of Kiffney agreed to act as a chief executive officer, also unbeknownst to club officials. Club officials ultimately decided to use Executive Backgrounds following Kiffney’s recommendation.

Kiffney then unlawfully accessed law enforcement databases such as the Drivers and Vehicle Information Databases (D.A.V.I.D.) system as well as the Florida Crime Information Center (F.C.I.C.) system to run background checks using his Sheriff’s Office-issued laptop. Kiffney would create a report based on that information and then forward that Executive Backgrounds report to club officials for their review and payment.

The quality of the Executive Background reports presented to club officials were of poor quality compared to the professional reports typically provided by the legal companies the club formerly used.

The club investigated further and officials notified Sheriff Rick Ramsay in April they believed Kiffney was accessing the computer databases unlawfully.

Ramsay immediately notified his Major Crimes Unit of the allegations against Kiffney.

Ramsay then formed a task force comprising investigators with his own Major Crimes Unit, the State Attorney’s Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

The investigation showed that Kiffney had accessed both computer systems many, many times, generating about $131,916 during the course of the investigation.

The task force set up by Ramsay found at least 30 instances, as reflected in the number of felonies Kiffney is facing.

Kiffney turned himself to the sheriff’s office in Plantation Key on July 14.

Kiffney was subsequently fired from the Ocean Reef Club. Kiffney’ s status as a reserve deputy was suspended when Ramsay was notified of the allegations. Kiffney then resigned as a reserve deputy soon thereafter while still under investigation.

Kiffney was hired by the sheriff’s office on April 4, 1992. He was promoted to sergeant on July 29, 1996 and then lieutenant on Jan. 3, 2018 before retiring from full-time duty on Jan. 19, 2018. His salary upon retirement was $93,562.

Kiffney worked as a reserve deputy from Jan. 1, 2020 to June 13, 2020.

“Though I am saddened to see a law enforcement officer end their career this way, I will always work to hold those who break the law accountable, especially when it means policing our own,” said Ramsay. “It would be more difficult without the help and the partnerships this agency has with other law enforcement such as the State Attorney’s Office and Florida Department of Law Enforcement who were once again more than stellar with their assistance in this case.”