An Orange County Grand Jury indicted Orange County Deputy Sheriff Bruce Stolk Thursday on felony charges.
According to a press release from the State Attorney’s Office of the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court, Stolk is charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon or causing grate bodily harm for a December 20 incident in which he shot a victim.
The indictment alleges that on that day, Stolk knowingly committed a battery upon a victim by intentionally touching/striking the victim against his will. In commission of the battery, Stolk used a firearm/deadly weapon to knowingly cause great bodily harm, permanent disability or permanent disfigurement to the victim.
Aggravated battery with a deadly weapon or causing great bodily harm is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 15 years or more in prison.
“An indictment is not a finding of guilt, but rather criminal legal system in which anyone accused of a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt by either a judge or a jury. We will seek whatever outcome justice requires. Because this case is pending, we will make no further comment on it,” reads the press release State Attorney Monique H. Worrell.
Deputy Stolk has been relieved of all law enforcement duties and will work in an administrative capacity until this case is resolved, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. He has been employed with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office since September 2017.
“I believe in our justice system and it’s important we let this case run its course,” said Sheriff John Mina. “Our deputies have one of the most difficult and complex jobs in the world. They must make split-second decisions and act in the moment to protect themselves and others.”