TAMPA, Fla. — A Hillsborough County Sheriff's deputy was arrested after it was discovered he illegally recorded people in his bathroom, the sheriff's office said. Sheriff Chad Chronister said he was "disgusted" and "deeply disappointed," calling this a "betrayal of the badge."
The investigation reportedly began on May 6 after Tampa police officers began looking into a cyber tip. Eventually, their investigation led them to discover the deputy's alleged crimes, which took place back in 2021, the release said.
Justin DiBiase, a 26-year-old working with the sheriff's DUI unit, allegedly set up a camera in the bathroom inside his home, pointing in the direction of the shower and toilet. Deputies said they found explicit videos were taken of two people.
Having gathered enough to charge him, the sheriff's office said an arrest warrant was issued for DiBiase. On Aug. 22, he turned himself in at the Orient Road Jail and was taken into custody without incident.
He is charged with three counts of video voyeurism.
According to the sheriff's office, DiBiase started his career with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office in 2021, the same year the alleged crimes occurred.
"I am disgusted and deeply disappointed by the actions of this individual," Chronister said in a statement. "This is not only a violation of trust towards the victims but also a profound betrayal of the badge. Deputies are sworn to protect and serve our community, but behind closed doors, he was a criminal himself.
"We hold our deputies to the highest standards, and when one falls so far from those standards, it is our duty to ensure they face the full weight of their consequences," he continued.