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Highlands deputy charged with trying to sexually batter female deputy

The victim told her supervisor Deputy Zachary Lehman tried to sexually batter her at South Florida State College
Deputy Zachary Lehman is accused of trying to sexually batter a fellow deputy.

A Highlands County sheriff's deputy is accused of trying to sexually assault another deputy.

In October, a female deputy told her supervisor Deputy Zachary Lehman had tried to sexually batter her at South Florida State College. The female deputy, who was off-duty at the time, alleged Lehman, who was at the time in uniform and on duty, held her against her will and pulled her back when she tried to leave.

He eventually allowed her to leave, the victim said.

Lehman had been a resource officer at the college campus, according to the college newsletter.

Lehman was relieved of duty and placed on administrative leave as the criminal investigation began.

After a thorough investigation, a probable cause affidavit was turned over to the State’s Attorney’s Office, who agreed that there was sufficient evidence to move forward with criminal charges. A judge issued a warrant, and Lehman was arrested Thursday.

He was charged with attempted sexual battery and armed kidnapping to facilitate a felony and taken to the Highlands County Jail. He was released Friday after posting $25,000 bail.

Sheriff Paul Blackman issued a statement.

“All of our deputies are placed in positions of authority and given great trust,” Sheriff Blackman said. “As a result, we hold them the highest standard and fully expect them to follow the law as well as enforce it. They are not, and never will be, above reproach and we will always take allegations of wrongdoing very seriously. These kinds of acts will not be tolerated from anyone, especially one of my deputies and even the hint of such behavior from a member of our agency will always draw a swift and thorough response.”

The investigation is continuing, and anyone with information is asked to call the Highlands County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit at (863) 402-7357.

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