Connect with us

Central Florida News

Orange County Sheriff’s Office: Deputy Arrested, Fired for Soliciting a Minor via Computer

Published

on

Former Orange County Sheriff Deputy Charles Cruz was arrested and booked in the Orange County Jail Friday. Photo: Orange County Jail.
Former Orange County Sheriff Deputy Charles Cruz was arrested and booked in the Orange County Jail Friday. Photo: Orange County Jail.

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN) – The Orange County Sheriff’s Office reports that Deputy Charles Cruz was arrested by the Orange County Sheriff’s Office on charges of soliciting a minor via computer on Friday. He has been relieved of all law enforcement duties without pay.

On February 19, while working as a patrol deputy, Cruz responded to a call for service at the home of a minor who was already working with the OCSO Sex Crimes Unit because she had been a victim of Sexual Cyberharassment. The call for service was related to a report of someone throwing an object through a window at the victim’s home, possibly the suspect in the Cyberharassment case.

In the course of his criminal mischief investigation, Cruz made inappropriate contact with the minor victim. That contact, via text message, became more inappropriate as he tried to gauge the minor’s interest in meeting him in person. The inappropriate contact was discovered on February 23 by the OCSO Sex Crimes Unit, which was examining the victim’s phone in connection to the Sexual Cyberharassment case.

On the evening of February 23, a detective in the OCSO Sex Crimes Unit assumed the identity of the minor, and chatted with Cruz via text. In the course of the conversation and while on duty, Cruz made sexually explicit comments to the person he believed was the minor. He was immediately located, relieved of duty, arrested and transported to the Orange County Jail.

Cruz was hired in August 2021 and worked in the uniform patrol division. Once the criminal proceedings are complete, an OCSO administrative investigation will be conducted.

“These are very serious criminal allegations, and there is no place in the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for anyone that would abuse their power to victimize a minor. To make matters worse, this deputy preyed on a young woman who was already a victim of sexual cyberharassment,” said Sheriff John Mina. “As law enforcement officers, we are held to the highest standards of conduct whether on duty or off duty. He will never patrol the streets of Orange County again.”

Central Florida News

State Rep. Rita Harris Reelected Without Opposition in Florida House District 44

Published

on

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Representative Rita Harris has secured reelection to the Florida House after no opposition qualified to challenge her in District 44 during the state’s candidate qualifying period.

Harris, a Democrat representing House District 44, will return to Tallahassee for another term after neither a Republican, third-party nor write-in candidate entered the race.

Her uncontested reelection reflects continued support within the district and allows her campaign to shift its focus toward supporting Democratic candidates and legislative priorities ahead of the 2027 Legislative Session.

House District 44 includes portions of west Orange County and surrounding communities in Central Florida.

Florida’s General Election is scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026.

Continue Reading

Central Florida News

Congressman Maxwell Frost Secures Third-Term Run Following Candidate Qualifying Period

Published

on

US Congressman Maxwell Frost gives federal update

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — U.S. Rep. Maxwell Alejandro Frost secured an easy path to a third term representing Florida’s 10th Congressional District after no Democratic, Republican or write-in challengers qualified before the close of Florida’s candidate qualifying period Friday.

“I’m proud that the people of Central Florida continue to put their trust in me, and I don’t take that for granted,” Frost said. “Over the last term, we’ve delivered real results, and now it’s time to build on that.”

Campaign Focuses on Down-Ballot Races

Despite facing no major-party opposition, Frost said his campaign is expanding its political operation to help Democrats compete across Central Florida.

“We’re focused on electing Democrats up and down the ballot.”

The campaign has recruited 87 fellows this summer as part of its year-round organizing program for young people ages 16 to 24. Campaign officials said participants will engage in door-to-door canvassing, phone banking and voter outreach efforts while supporting Democratic candidates throughout the region.

According to the campaign, more than 162 fellows have participated in the program, helping contact more than 157,000 voters during the current election cycle.

Historic Member of Congress

Frost made history in 2022 as the first member of Generation Z elected to Congress. He represents Florida’s 10th Congressional District, which includes much of Orlando and surrounding portions of Orange County.

Continue Reading

Central Florida News

State Rep. Bruce Antone Wins Reelection Unopposed

Published

on

ORLANDO, Fla. (FNN NEWS) — Florida State Representative Bruce Antone has won reelection to the Florida House after qualifying for the 2026 election cycle without opposition.

Antone, who represents portions of Orange County, remains the longest-serving Democratic state lawmaker in Orange County and one of the most senior members of Florida’s Democratic legislative delegation.

Following his reelection, Antone thanked supporters in a statement posted on Facebook.

“Today, I was reelected to the Florida House of Representatives. I didn’t have any opposition. Thank you to everyone who has supported me during my time and tenure in the Florida House of Representatives,” Antone wrote.

Under Florida election law, candidates who qualify for office without opposition are automatically elected and do not appear on the ballot.

Antone will begin another term in the Florida House as lawmakers prepare for the 2027 Legislative Session in Tallahassee.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement Ticket Time Machine ad
Advertisement Orlando Regional REALTOR Association logo
Advertisement Parts Pass App
Advertisement Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando
Advertisement
Advertisement African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida
Advertisement FNN News en Español
Advertisement Indian American Chamber of Commerce logo
Advertisement Florida Sports Channel

FNN Newsletter

Trending