A high-ranking member of the Florida State Guard, Michael DiGiacomo, is facing serious allegations of sexual harassment. The accusations come from a woman he supervised during a deployment to the Texas-Mexico border.
Persistent Harassment
According to the woman’s attorney, DiGiacomo repeatedly made unwanted sexual advances towards her. Witnesses have reported that the harassment was persistent for at least four months and escalated during the deployment to Texas.
DiGiacomo is accused of making crude remarks about the woman’s genitalia and body and uttering other demeaning comments in front of other State Guard members. One witness statement recounts DiGiacomo telling the woman, “Daddy gets what daddy wants,” during the ride to Texas.
Fear and Retaliation
The woman reportedly told another member of the State Guard that she was “afraid and needed help.” She even called police in Del Rio, Texas, fearing someone had broken into her hotel room.
After the alleged harassment was reported to State Guard leaders, the woman was removed from her assignment, which she viewed as punishment for reporting the behavior. Her attorney, Tiffany Cruz, stated, “My client courageously reported sexual harassment that was occurring in the Florida State Guard, expecting leadership to properly handle the matter. Instead, my client has faced retaliation, which is both unlawful and unacceptable”.
Response from the Florida State Guard
The State Guard acknowledged that it is conducting an active investigation into sexual misconduct but declined to comment on its response to the sexual harassment allegations. Sierra Dean, a spokesperson for the State Guard, said that once the investigation concludes, “we will take the appropriate actions necessary to maintain a safe environment for our members and the people we serve.”
Impact on the Florida State Guard
This incident is the second known case of alleged sexual harassment and retaliation within Governor Ron DeSantis’ paramilitary force since it was reactivated in 20221. It threatens to tarnish further the fledgling organization’s reputation, which has been plagued by high turnover and allegations of unprofessionalism and questionable recruiting.
Florida Guard Plagued By Problems
The Florida State Guard, reactivated by Governor Ron DeSantis in 2022, is facing a series of challenges raising concerns about its effectiveness and reputation.
Historical Concerns
Historians have pointed out that state militias, like the Florida State Guard, have a concerning past. However, the Guard is actively addressing these historical concerns, demonstrating its commitment to change and growth.
Resource and Training Issues
The Guard also faces resource and training issues. Unlike the National Guard, state forces like the Florida State Guard are funded through state tax dollars and answer only to the governor. Critics argue that the National Guard, with its extensive training and access to resources, would be a better choice for most responders.
High Turnover and Recruitment Problems
The Florida State Guard has been plagued by high turnover and allegations of unprofessionalism. There are also concerns about the recruitment process and the motivations of those who join.