Deputy Accused of Domestic Violence after Fight With Wife

It can be shocking to hear of a police officer being charged with a crime. Law enforcement officials are supposed to protect others, but sometimes they harm the ones they love. There is even some evidence that domestic violence may occur more frequently in law enforcement families than in the general population. This is likely due to job stress, shift work, exposure to violence, access to weapons, and cultural dynamics.

A deputy with the county sheriff’s office in Broward County was arrested following an alleged domestic violence incident involving his wife on May 19 in Plantation, Florida. According to the arrest affidavit, the 29-year-old deputy with the Broward Sheriff’s Office confronted his spouse in their home and physically blocked her attempt to leave a bedroom. At one point he is accused of pushing her and refusing to allow her exit, thereby restraining her movements according to the affidavit.

Records show the spouse later provided Plantation police detectives with a video recorded on September 24 that allegedly captured part of the altercation and the deputy’s failure to let her leave the room. In the report, the detective noted that the woman stated she “was in fear for her personal safety due to past unreported incidents of physical violence” by the deputy.

The deputy tried to claim that his wife was trying to leave with “his daughter,” but video footage showed that was not accurate. The child was observed walking on her own and not being held by the mother.

Prosecutors filed charges against the deputy for third-degree felony false imprisonment and first-degree misdemeanor battery, citing the video evidence and the victim’s statements. Following issuance of an arrest warrant, the deputy was taken into custody on Thursday and appeared in Broward County bond court the next day wearing a green anti-suicide smock. The judge found probable cause and set bond at $7,500.

In response, the sheriff’s office placed the deputy on administrative leave without pay as both the criminal case and internal affairs review proceeded. The department’s public information office did not release further details about the deputy’s status or prior history.

At this stage the criminal process is ongoing. No additional charges or convictions have been reported publicly. The victim’s video submission and statements will likely play a prominent role in prosecution. If proven, the alleged blocking of the spouse’s exit from a room and physical push would meet the legal definitions of false imprisonment (unlawfully restraining another’s freedom of movement) and battery (physical contact without consent).

Contact Us Today

Even though police officers are supposed to protect their families and the public as a whole, they sometimes go too far and use their power to harm others. This can lead to criminal charges.

If you have been arrested or accused of a crime, get the help you need from a Fort Myers domestic violence attorney from Hollander & Hanuka. We will help you understand the charges against you and what to expect. Schedule a consultation today by filling out the online form or calling (239) 332-3300.

Source:

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