Only one person has stepped forward to accuse a St. Lucie County Sheriff’s deputy of sexual assault and battery, but Sheriff Ken Mascara thinks it’s possible there are more potential victims out there.
Last week, the sheriff announced the arrest of Deputy Thomas Johnson, 43, on such charges following an investigation prompted by a woman’s complaint.
“After almost 20 years of leading this agency as sheriff, sadly, I stand before you today brokenhearted, disappointed and, quite frankly, disgusted by recent allegations against one of my own deputies,” Sheriff Mascara said during a press conference.
“A very brave individual” approached the Sheriff’s Office in February, alleging that Dep. Johnson sexually assaulted her while he was on duty. Her allegation prompted an immediate criminal investigation, Mascara said.
Johnson has served with the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office since May 2003 in various posts, including as a detention deputy, a patrol deputy, a detective and an agency trainer.
Johnson has been placed on unpaid administrative leave pending the outcome of judiciary proceedings and an Internal Affairs investigation.
“I ask the public, do not take the actions of one bad apple and paint a broad brush against the other 99.99 percent of the hero first responders who put on the uniform each and every day and dedicate their lives to serving and protecting our community,” Sheriff Mascara said.
Johnson had been booked into the county jail and later posted a $100,000 bond to be released.
While the Sheriff’s Office did not provide details regarding the allegations against Johnson, the agency did release several disciplinary records dating back to 2009. Such disciplinary records show reprimands and suspensions for improper conduct both while conducting sheriff’s work as well as representing the Sheriff’s Office during a softball game.
A few incidents refer to Dep. Johnson taunting or otherwise making fun of those with disabilities. Another incident cited him for neglecting his duty by misusing sick benefits to go on a cruise. He was also written up for being involved in a traffic crash that was avoidable, and for not providing his name when requested by a citizen, to name a few.
As for the recent allegation of sexual assault and battery, the Sheriff’s Office asks that anyone who thinks they were victimized by Dep. Johnson call the Sheriff’s Criminal Investigation Division at 772-462-3230.
“Trust is the epitome of public service,” Sheriff Mascara said, adding that the public holds law enforcement to a higher standard – and he holds his office to the highest of standards.