A rookie Broward County Sheriff’s deputy has been accused of inappropriately touching a man in the aftermath of threatening to arrest the individual. The deputy has been part of the Sheriff’s office for only a short period of time. He is 20 years old.
The person the deputy is alleged to have inappropriately touched was a security officer. The deputy falsely accused the man of having drugs in his possession and of trying to solicit a prostitute.
The deputy’s victim said he became afraid and ran from the officer. He headed home, only to find the deputy parked in his driveway. The man managed to gather his wife and children and hide out in a hotel overnight.
The victim was able to contact law enforcement the following day. In the aftermath of the police report, the deputy was questioned by his supervisors. Ultimately, the deputy was fired.
Because the deputy was on his probation period, he has no opportunity to appeal the termination decision. He also likely will face criminal charges.
The criminal charges the deputy possible can face may include extortion, assault, sexual assault, and falsifying a public record. The deputy completed an official form falsely stating the victimized citizen possessed cocaine.
In response to the alleged crimes, the Sheriff immediately terminated the deputy. He also stated he was deeply saddened by the deputy’s conduct.
The Crime of Extortion
Extortion is a serious crime. Extortion legally is defined as demanding something of value, oftentimes money, in exchange for doing or not doing some act. In the case of the Broward County Sheriff’s deputy, the rookie officer attempted to coerce a citizen into engaging in a sex act. The coercive element was the threat by the officer to arrest the citizen on what in reality would be deemed “trumped up” charges.
A conviction for extortion can resort in a lengthy criminal sentence and other sanctions, including fines. Facing this type of criminal charge necessitates a person to retain an experienced Fort Lauderdale extortion defense attorney.
Retain an Extortion Defense Attorney
If you or someone you know has been charged with this type of crime, the first step in protecting your rights and interests is retaining the services of an extortion criminal defense lawyer from the law firm of Hassett & Associates, P.A. A initial consultation with a skilled extortion criminal defense attorney from the firm can be scheduled today by calling 954-791-3939.
