A Florida deputy was arrested and charged with battery.
Following a thorough investigation, an Osceola County deputy was arrested and charged with battery on an individual 65 years of age or older, as well as falsification of official records. In a statement, the Sheriff said the “conduct is completely intolerable.”
According to previous reports, Deputy Joseph Billittier self-dispatched to a call for a possible impaired driver in Kissimmee in September. He reportedly conducted a DUI investigation and the 67-year-old woman was arrested, but there questions about the use of force.
Upon review of video, it was determined that the deputy used an unnecessary amount of force in handling the arrested suspect.
Local law enforcement said they act decisively and without hesitation for accountability, and they apply that exact same standard within their own walls.
“The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office operates under a single standard of equal accountability. The badge represents the public trust, and no one is above the law—especially those sworn to enforce it,” Sheriff Chris Blackmon stated.
The deputy involved was immediately relieved of duty pending formal termination proceedings, and the Sheriff’s office was working directly with the State Attorney’s Office on this Central Florida prosecution.
“Accountability is not selective,” Sheriff Chris Blackmon stated. “If we demand lawfulness and responsibility from the youth of this community, we must demand an even higher level of integrity from the men and women who wear our uniform. Falsifying documents and harming vulnerable citizens strikes directly at the foundation of our justice system.”
