An Osceola County Sheriff’s Office deputy was arrested after an internal investigation allegedly revealed that he had used the agency’s computers and electronic databases to conduct unauthorized searches.
According to OCSO, a criminal investigation was launched earlier this month after internal affairs reviewed a complaint on a deputy sheriff, identified as 25-year-old Jeffrey Alan Curtis II.
Curtis began his employment with OCSO in October 2020, and he was assigned to veteran’s outreach services.
In a media release, the sheriff’s office stated that on September 4, 2022, Curtis “knowingly and without authorization accessed computer systems and electronic databases to obtain information [that was] not relevant to his official duties.”
OCSO added that this unauthorized access was “unrelated to any assigned casework or authorized duties within the scope of [Curtis’] employment.” As a result, Curtis’ alleged actions were in “direct violation of agency protocols and Florida law.”
Three days after the investigation began, Curtis was placed on administrative leave.
A warrant was issued for Curtis’ arrest earlier this week, and he turned himself in at the Osceola County Jail on Friday, August 20. His bond was set at $1,000, and he is being charged with one count of unauthorized access to a computer system.
Interim Osceola County Sheriff Christopher A. Blackmon released the following statement after Deputy Curtis was placed under arrest:
“Our badge represents profound trust. Unfortunately, a member of our agency has violated that trust and failed both the Sheriff’s Office and our community, which we have continually vowed to protect. I want to remind the community that my commitment, from the very beginning, has been rooted in integrity and honesty. If criminal activity is discovered within the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office, we will take prompt action to ensure the appropriate measures are taken.”
Blackmon was appointed as interim sheriff in June after the former sheriff, Marcos Lopez, was arrested on racketeering charges in connection with an alleged massive gambling operation that was discovered in Central Florida.