An Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office deputy has been arrested on a felony charge of unlawful sexual activity with a minor.
Deputy Christopher Ball, 31, of Fort Walton Beach, who has been with the agency less than one year, is also suspended without pay pending termination.
“I demand, and our profession demands, that our deputies conduct themselves with the highest standards of integrity and moral conduct. Behavior that undermines that standard will absolutely not be tolerated," Sheriff Larry Ashley said. "Within 24 hours, our investigators had taken action to quickly and thoroughly determine the facts in this case and to carry out the appropriate steps to protect the public.
"We are now conducting a separate internal investigation and that information will be made public as well at the appropriate time."
Ball became involved in a sexual relationship with a 17-year old girl in December 2013, OCSO investigators said.
During a forensic interview with the victim yesterday, she outlined that she and the defendant had sexual intercourse six times at three different locations, according to a news release.
Ball admitted to being in an inappropriate relationship but denied sexual contact, investigators said. He consented to a search of his cell phone and admitted some scantily clad and nude photos located on the phone were of the victim.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: OCSO deputy arrested on unlawful sexual activity charge