HCSO Deputy Arrested for Sexual Battery, as Claims of Rampant Sexual Misconduct Continues

BROOKSVILLE – The Hernando County Sheriff's Office is under fire again, after one of its own is arrested on sexual battery charges.

In a statement released by the Public Information Office, now-former deputy Zachary Carter was arrested yesterday on one count of sexual battery, after he coerced the victim into having sexual relations. Officials say, Carter had sexual relations with the victim on two different occasions while he was on duty and in uniform.

According to our sources, the victim told Carter that she had a warrant and asked if he could remove it from the system. Carter refused and took her to jail after sexually battering her.

R News received information on this case several weeks ago, but HCSO declined to comment until today's statement was released.

Yesterday, Carter turned himself in to the Pasco County Jail and bail was set at $10,000.

Officials say Carter began his career with the agency in 2018 and has no prior disciplinary actions.

Carter's arrest is just one example of sexual misconduct that some say has become part the HCSO's culture. A recent R News article revealed a lawsuit filed against the agency, after a deputy was fired for not bringing his girlfriend to an "agency-sanctioned sex party." The complaint names several top officials, including Sheriff Al Nienhuis.

R News was blocked from the HCSO Facebook page for reporting on the lawsuit, which prompted outrage from the community.

The 30-year-old former deputy is married and has several children, according to his Facebook page.

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