INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A probationary deputy recently resigned after an internal affairs investigation revealed she had inappropriate contact with an inmate – including several phone sex conversations – authorities said.
The Indian River County sheriff’s deputy – identified as Whitney Marion, 27, of Okeechobee – submitted her resignation letter October 19 after working for the agency for five months, according to a memorandum and sheriff’s officials. The deputy made the decision after learning she was being investigated for her repeated contacts with inmate Michael Gonzalez, 28.
Authorities said Marion violated a department policy that prohibits inappropriate relationships between deputies and inmates. The incidents between Marion and Gonzalez all happened in October.
Investigators reviewed several phone calls from the jail’s phone system that were made to Marion’s phone. In the calls, Marion and Gonzalez expressed their affection for one another, reports show.
Some of the calls included Gonzalez making sexual comments to Marion. Gonzalez also told Marion he was going to marry her, reports show.
The two also talked about Marion possibly getting in trouble for making payments toward Gonzalez’ phone account. Jail video footage showed Marion and Gonzalez going into a storage area twice at the facility, and then out of view of the cameras for several minutes.
Investigators described the two incidents as “highly suspect,” reports show. With the phone calls and video footage, deputies determined there was sufficient evidence to file a complaint.