PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. -- A state probation officer has been fired after being arrested on a charge of sexual misconduct involving an offender under his supervision, according to the Florida Department of Corrections.

  • Corrections probation officer Jeffery Desimone arrested last week
  • Arrest report: Desimone had sex with probationer several times
  • Desimone worked for state corrections department since 2010

State correctional probation officer Jeffery Desimone, 40, was arrested Thursday at a Tarpon Springs Department of Corrections office by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and subsequently charged with felony sexual misconduct. FDLE agents said they received a citizen complaint that Desimone had a sexual relationship with a probationer he supervised.

"This officer not only violated the law, he violated the Department’s core values," department press secretary Patrick Secretary said said in a released statement. "We stand willing to work collaboratively with our law enforcement partners to ensure they have everything they need to aid them in this investigation."

According to an arrest report, a woman was sentenced to state probation for dealing in stolen property Feb. 20, and her case was assigned to Desimone. Agents said during the period from Feb. 20 through June 12, Desimone and the probationer engaged in oral and sexual intercourse on several occasions in Pinellas County.

During a sworn-recorded interview with FDLE agents Thursday, Desimone admitted to engaging in sexual intercourse with the offender on at least three occasions, according to the report. Secretary said Desimone began working as a correctional probation officer in 2010, earned a salary of $36,278 and was dismissed by the department Friday.

“Every day, FDC’s probation officers serve their communities and help offenders succeed,” Secretary said. “His actions are no reflection of the thousands of officers who regularly perform their duties with integrity.”

Desimone was released from the Pinellas County Jail on Friday on a $5,000 bond. We tried to reach Desimone at his parents’ Oldsmar home. Desimone’s dad declined to comment and said his son was not home at the time.