MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 06: Florida Governor Ron DeSantis speaks during a press conference about the opening of a COVID-19 vaccination site at the Hard Rock Stadium on January 06, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. The governor announced that the stadium's parking lot which offers COVID-19 tests will begin to offer COVID-19 vaccinations for residents 65 and older to drive up and get vaccinated. The vaccination site opened today for a trial run but it was not known when it will be open to the general public. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)
The Sarasota, Florida, Police Department is currently investigating an accusation of sexual assault against Christian Ziegler, the Florida Republican chairman.
This revelation has had a significant impact on the political landscape in the state, given its association with former President Donald Trump and Governor Ron DeSantis (R).
The Sarasota Police Department shared partly censored reports from an officer who had dealt with the initial complaint, as well as a detective. These records explicitly state that the case is currently under investigation as a criminal matter.
According to the detective’s report, an individual reported being a victim of “sexual battery” at their residential address in Sarasota on October 2. The report reiterates the existence of a “sexual assault allegation” and a “sexual assault complaint,” but it does not include any further details.
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The summary provided by the officer who responded to the incident is heavily censored, with only a few words remaining visible. These words indicate that someone made statements regarding rape.
Derek Byrd, the attorney representing Ziegler, expressed confidence in his client’s complete exoneration and emphasized Ziegler’s full cooperation with the Sarasota Police Department.
Byrd further said that public figures often face false allegations for political purposes or financial gain. “I would caution anyone to rush to judgment until the investigation is concluded. Out of respect for the investigation, this is all Mr. Ziegler or myself can say at this time,” he added.
The initial disclosure regarding the accusations was published by the Trident publication of the Florida Center for Government Accountability. The watchdog organization, relying on undisclosed insiders involved in the investigation, claimed that law enforcement officials had confiscated Ziegler’s mobile phone. They mentioned that investigators are actively engaged in the process of forensically analyzing the digital device.
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