‘Predator in uniform’: Former Sarasota deputy forever marked as sexual predator after conviction
Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC
State Attorney
State Attorney Ed Brodsky announced today that Scott Kelly, former deputy with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, was convicted after entering an open plea to one count of Transmission of Material Harmful to Minors. The crime was committed in November 2021 and investigated by Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.
The crimes carry a maximum possible sentence of 5 years in prison.
A sentencing hearing was conducted on July 6, 2023 wherein the Honorable Judge Moss found that the defendant was a “Predator in Uniform” and sentenced to him to 22 months prison followed by 38 months sex offender probation. The defendant was also designated a sexual predator and will have to register as such for the rest of his life.
This case involved a duly sworn deputy of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office who used his position of authority to prey on a vulnerable child. After responding to a call for assistance, the defendant decided that he would pursue the child by finding her on multiple social media platforms. Through those platforms, he sent lewd images of himself and propositioned her for sex. His behavior was despicable and not at all consistent with the high standards of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office.
The lead prosecutor in the case, Assistant State Attorney Kate Metz commented, “This person had no business wearing a uniform. He violated the oath he took – the oath to protect and serve the citizens of our community. Instead, he chose to use his position of authority to prey on a vulnerable child, one still coping with the loss of her father. Instead of helping this child through a tough time, he exploited her vulnerability by sending her lewd photos and attempting to persuade her to engage in sexual activity with him. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office acted swiftly when it learned of this deputy’s misbehavior and removed him from patrol and ultimately terminated his employment. Sergeant Mariah Piper conducted a thorough investigation to ensure the victim and her family knew how law enforcement was supposed to respond when called for help. That investigation allowed the defendant to be held accountable for his actions, and for the victim and her family to feel that justice was served.”
If you have any questions or would like further information please contact Assistant State Attorney Kate Metz in the Sarasota County office at 941-861-4400.
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