On behalf of The Law Office of Gustavo E. Frances, P.A.
During a police investigation, photos are taken of the entire crime scene. Although investigators are typically the ones who take these pictures, deputies may also take photos. However, these photos must be part of the investigation and cannot ever be used for personal reasons. A deputy in Florida is currently being accused of doing just that and is now facing a felony charge.
An employee of the sheriff’s office since 2006, the 29-year-old deputy says he was not having a good weekend. He took photographs of two individuals who were deceased. One man was in a recliner and the other had suffered a bullet wound to the head.
The man then allegedly proceeded to send those photos to his ex-girlfriend. The ex-girlfriend’s statements indicate that she was not pleased by the pictures he sent to her. For that reason, she went to the sheriff’s office with her phone in hand to show them what she had received. Reportedly, the deputy ended up confessing to taking and sending the pictures.
As a Florida police officer, this man likely understands the obstacles that he faces, as well as the possible consequences if he is convicted. Regardless of one’s knowledge of the system, the law can be rather complex — even for an officer. For that reason, it is important for anyone — regardless of his or her profession — to familiarize him or herself with his or her individual’s rights. Any person accused of a crime and facing a felony charge has the right to defend him or herself in a court of law.
When you need a Fort Lauderdale criminal law lawyer, you can contact us by calling 954-533-2756 for a free consultation.
tampabay.com, “Pasco deputy charged with sending photos of suicide victims to ex-girlfriend“, Josh Solomon and Zachary T. Sampson, March 6, 2015
