OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. – Osceola County Sheriff Chris Blackmon on Friday announced the arrest of yet another sheriff’s office employee, this time a deputy accused of unauthorized use of a computer system.
Deputy Jeffrey Alan Curtis II, 25, turned himself in on Friday, according to a news release.
An investigation into the deputy began Aug. 12, the release states.
Curtis, who joined the sheriff’s office in 2020 and was assigned to veteran’s outreach services, is accused of accessing computer systems and electronic databases “knowingly and without authorization” to obtain information not relevant to his official duties, the sheriff’s office said.
He was placed on administrative leave Aug. 15 and a warrant was signed for his arrest on Wednesday, the release states.
This access was unrelated to any assigned casework or authorized duties within the scope of his employment. This is a direct violation of agency protocols and Florida law, governing offenses against computer systems and electronic records.
Osceola County Sheriff's Office
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“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,” Blackmon said in a statement. “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.”
Curtis has since posted bond.
Sheriff Blackmon on Aug. 13 said he anticipated more charges against individuals within his own agency as investigations continued into the administration of former sheriff Marcos Lopez, who was removed after being accused of racketeering. Two weeks prior to those remarks, Blackmon announced the arrest of two sheriff’s employees in the probe, including a deputy.
[MORE: Osceola sheriff discusses investigation amid Marcos Lopez case]