More Police Misconduct in Florida: Deputy Grabs Minor Female by The Head
News headlines have recently been dominated by news covering an Orlando deputy sheriff who was fired after being caught on video pulling a minor’s head back as he took her into custody. According to body camera footage, the deputy not only physically assaulted the young woman, but he also called everyone gathered around them “stupid little children.” The Orange county sheriff who terminated the deputy has described his actions as constituting “excessive force.” While the deputy is not currently facing any charges, the state attorney’s office is discussing whether criminal charges will be filed against him.
Felony Child Abuse Charges in Another Incident
Unfortunately, this is not the first report of Florida police officers being involved in serious police misconduct during the arrest and/or investigation process. Another sheriff’s deputy was charged with child abuse – a third degree felony – in November after school surveillance footage showed him grabbing a minor student by the neck and slamming her to the ground. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison and pay a $5,000 fine.
Numerous Concerns for Broward County Sheriff’s Office
In addition, the Broward County Sheriff’s Office has come under scrutiny since the mass shooting last year in Parkland that left 17 dead after a state commission investigated the incident and found that a number of deputies ignored protocol for active shooters in trying to disarm the gunman. The Florida Senate voted to remove the previous Sheriff over his response to the massacre in support of Gov. Ron DeSantis’ decision.
There have also been a number of accusations made against the Broward County Sheriff’s Office related to excessive force: In November, a deputy was reportedly fired for punching a handcuffed man in a hospital bed, and two other deputies are also now facing misdemeanor charges for battery and falsifying reports after pepper-spraying a teen and slamming his head into the ground.
Police Officer Shoots & Kills Citizen in Fort Worth for No Reason
After an officer shot and killed Atatiana Jefferson while she was in her home and unarmed last month, the officer has not only been charged with murder, but the city of Forth Worth has designated an outside panel to review the police department and recommend changes.
If You Have Been the Victim of Police Misconduct, Contact Our Florida Civil Rights & Defense Attorneys
If you have been the victim of police misconduct in Orlando or elsewhere in Florida, and your civil rights have been violated, know that you are protected. In addition to any case that the police have formed against you potentially being thrown out if you were illegally arrested, you may have the option of filing a civil claim. Contact our Orlando criminal attorneys at the Baez Law Firm today to find out more.
Resource:
nbcdfw.com/news/local/Fort-Worth-City-Manager-Appoints-Outside-Panel-to-Review-Police-Department-564709802.html
nytimes.com/2019/11/05/us/Child-abuse-Florida-deputy.html
huffpost.com/entry/florida-sheriff-deputy-willard-miller-arrested_n_5dc2c835e4b0f5dcf8fe531e
cnn.com/2019/11/08/us/florida-school-deputy-grabbing-girl-head/index.html
https://www.baezlawfirm.com/the-importance-of-preventing-wrongful-convictions/