The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said one of its deputies was arrested and charged with domestic battery in Polk County.
OCSO Deputy James Waters was arrested by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office on December 15 on one count of domestic violence battery, according to OCSO. Polk County court records show the charge as a first-degree misdemeanor.
OCSO said that Waters was hired in May 2018 and worked in the Uniform Patrol Division. Following his arrest, Waters was relieved of all law enforcement duties and reassigned to administrative duties pending the completion of the criminal case. OCSO said an internal investigation would also be conducted following the criminal case.
Orange County Sheriff John Mina said, “I have a zero-tolerance policy toward domestic violence. These allegations will be thoroughly investigated and the results will be made public. At the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, we are committed to ensuring that those who serve the community as deputies follow the laws they are responsible to uphold.”