Being under investigation for criminal misconduct in Florida can be a frightening and overwhelming experience. Authorities will often look into phone records, speak to witnesses and seize items like computers and cameras in an attempt to determine whether there is enough evidence to arrest someone.
Even if someone is arrested after an investigation, however, it does not mean that he or she is guilty. In fact, it may be determined that an investigation was improperly conducted or that there are discrepancies in the accusations that must be scrutinized further. With the help of a criminal defense attorney, these discrepancies and procedural errors can be identified and any charges resulting from that arrest could be dropped. That is what happened recently for one man who was arrested on sexual assault charges after a police investigation.
This case, like many others like it, began with accusations. Police received unspecified information that led them to suspect a 42-year-old man of sexual misconduct. The man was an executive director at a facility that supports young women between the ages of 12 and 17 who are struggling with emotional, behavioral, familial and substance abuse problems.
The man was accused of sexually assaulting some of the residents at the facility and the police investigated the accusations. After just 10 days, authorities determined they had enough evidence to charge the man with multiple felonies and misdemeanors. Because he was serving in a position of authority, some of the charges were enhanced.
However, it wasn’t until after he was arrested and charged that further investigation uncovered the truth. It was revealed that some of the witnesses and alleged victims had been lying in their initial reports to authorities. Many of them were also identified as being seriously affected by mental and emotional conditions that resulted in them being “unable and unwilling to participate in the prosecution.” For these reasons, it was determined that the charges against the man were inappropriate and they were all dismissed.
A comprehensive investigation can examine accusations and determine whether they are false or fabricated. If they are, it can be possible to have any charges resulting from those statements dismissed.
Source: The Spectrum, “Sex charges dismissed against youth home worker,” Tracie Sullivan, April 4, 2014