TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Florida sheriff has been arrested for “inappropriate communication with a minor on social media,” according to the sheriff’s office.
Charlotte County Deputy Sheriff James Ford was charged with solicitation of a minor, sending harmful material to a minor and communicating harmful to a minor, Sheriff Bill Plummell said in a social media post.
“Every time a deputy is arrested, the trust we have worked so hard to build with our community is undermined,” Plummell wrote. “When it comes to the seriousness of an arrest, especially something of this nature, I wanted you to hear this news directly from me. As with any investigation into a member of this agency, we will keep everyone informed as much as we can, as long as we can. However, this is still an active investigation.”
Plummell did not provide further details about the situation. Ford is on unpaid leave.
