POLK COUNTY, Fla. — A former Polk County Sheriff's Office deputy faces multiple charges after he allegedly sexually battered a deputy trainee.
- Scott Walker, 39, a 19-year veteran of Sheriff's Office
- Investigators: Trainee met with Walker to get help with training
- Walker immediately resigned after his arrest
According to investigators, Scott Walker, 39, a 19-year veteran of the Sheriff's Office, met with the victim in Lakeland on October 3 while Walker was working an off-duty detail. Walker was reportedly armed.
The trainee was reportedly there to get help with his training. While the trainee was sitting down, Walker allegedly reached under the trainee's shorts and underwear and sexually battered him.
When the trainee resisted, Walker then reportedly pushed him against a wall, locked the door to the room they were in, and turned the lights off.
At that point the trainee started sending text messages to a friend, pleading for help.
Walker then became concerned that the trainee had contacted someone, and let him go, according to investigators.
The Sheriff's Office said they became aware of the allegations the next day. Following an interview with Walker, they immediately arrested him, and he resigned.
"We hold our people to a higher standard than we do the members of the community," said Polk Sheriff Grady Judd in a statement. "Scott is now in jail for his illegal conduct, as he should be."