Deputy Matthew Graham of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office attempts to serve a warrant on a young woman who missed a court date. Deputies made contact with the woman’s mother who refuses to open the door. She is quick to turn the deputies away, claiming that she is bathing her dog and cannot leave it unattended. Deputy Graham explains that he just wants to confirm that her daughter is not inside the residence. The woman finally relents and opens the door. After a brief search, the young woman is located hiding in a small closet under a pile of clothes. When Deputy Graham asks her why she was hiding she claims to have been hiding from her ex-boyfriend. She then explains that she did attend court and tried to speak to a judge but couldn’t find anyone in the courthouse. The woman is arrested for failing to appear in court and will have a chance to explain her absence to the judge.
| Story Title | Closet Crasher |
| Name | Matthew Graham |
| Rank | Deputy |
| Agency | Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office |
| Age | 44 |
| Originally From | Polk County, FL |
| How did you get into Law Enforcement? | I come from a law enforcement family. Served in and retired from the US Army. I wanted to continue serving so I joined HCSO. |
| What was your arrest? | Shoplifter at a local grocery store. Arrestee was a 62 year old grandmother. She could not believe I was putting her in handcuffs for stealing items. |
| What is your favorite part about your job? | Serving the public. I get to help somebody new everyday when I come to work. |
| Hobbies | Weightlifting, running, and riding my Harley. |
| What is your favorite quote or saying? | I’m not a judge, I’m a cop. |