Florida

Former Deputy Accused of Following, Harassing Women

A former southwest Florida deputy is facing charges after authorities say he used law enforcement databases and his authority to harass and follow multiple women.

Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell said during a news conference Thursday that his office received a complaint in July that 31-year-old Eric Ireland had been harassing a woman. An internal affairs investigation revealed that the married former deputy had been using the law enforcement databases to follow the woman around the county. As the investigation progressed, Prummell said they discovered evidence of Ireland using his authority to seek out additional women.

The sheriff's office reports that Ireland was fired last month. He was arrested Wednesday and charged with official misconduct and perjury. He was later released on $8,500 bail. Jail records didn't list an attorney.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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