WALTON COUNTY, Fla. — A school resource deputy working at a school in Walton County has been arrested and charged for the alleged solicitation of a minor, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office has announced.
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According to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), Artie Rodriguez, 52, a WCSO school resource deputy, has been terminated and arrested for charges reportedly stemming from an investigation involving a 14-year-old student.
On January 31, the WCSO said it immediately removed Rodriguez from his position as a school resource deputy at the Walton Academy, a charter school located in DeFuniak Springs. The WCSO said it launched an investigation after an alleged victim came forward to file a report.
“It was discovered during the investigation that between December 9th, 2022, and January 26th, 2023, Rodriguez attempted to engage in a sexual relationship with the student both in person and via text, he showed this student explicit photos, touched the student in an inappropriate manner, and provided the student with a vape pen,” the WCSO said in a statement.
The agency is thoroughly investigating whether there was additional misconduct while Rodriguez was on duty, on school premises, or otherwise, the WCSO said.
“Not only was Rodriguez in a position of trust as a school resource deputy but at a school where kids are truly vulnerable and already facing hardship and challenges of their own,” said Walton County Sheriff Michael Adkinson.
“It’s a violation of his oath of office and the badge.”
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Rodriguez reportedly started working with the Walton County Sheriff’s Office in October 2001 and went into reserves in June 2017, returning to full-time status in August 2022.
“This is a long-standing member of our agency, but I won’t mince words,” continued Adkinson.
“We will not, under any circumstances, tolerate this type of behavior from someone in a position of authority – particularly one who is interacting with our children.”
Rodriguez is charged with engaging in a romantic relationship with a student by an authority figure, distribution of harmful material to a minor on school property, use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony, battery, and providing nicotine to a minor.
