Brevard County Sheriff
INVESTIGATIVE UPDATE
Following the arrests of John Franklin Derossett and Mary Ellen Derossett on August 21, 2015, Agents of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office have continued to investigate and develop information regarding the suspected involvement of additional individuals with involvement in this criminal enterprise. Based upon records that were collected during the initial phase of the criminal investigation, Agents have tentatively identified multiple individuals, two of which were law enforcement members employed by the BCSO, who are believed to have been involved in the criminal activities of Mary Derossett.
The agency members identified during this investigation were subsequently interviewed by criminal investigators and were immediately separated from our agency for their criminal actions.
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office has subsequently initiated an internal investigation concerning the misconduct allegations involving both former employees. Pending the completion of that formal administrative inquiry, Florida Law (Chapter 112, F.S.) prohibits the agency from releasing further details as to their involvement, or the specific allegations brought against those law enforcement members. The former employees, who cannot be identified at this time, consist of a 29-year-old with 22 months of employment and a 56-year-old with 14 years of service.
Sheriff Wayne Ivey stated, “The conduct of these two employees is criminal and their actions as a representation of our agency is disgusting. I am extremely proud of the nearly 1500 members of our agency who work around the clock to protect our citizens, and the actions of these two individuals sicken me.”
Sheriff Ivey added, “This investigation was part of an ongoing and significant operation that has resulted in well over 250 arrests during the past 6 weeks. The operation was initiated after the robbery and murder of a citizen who was lured for an act of prostitution. To know that there are participating agencies and officers who have placed their lives on the line to protect our communities, and knowing that we have a deputy who has fought for his life for performing his duties, and then to learn that we had two employees who supported such criminal activities is absolutely reprehensible.”
“I’m standing here today to provide you what details I can of this latest development in this on-going investigation and to tell you how sickened I am by the actions of these two individuals who apparently lied when they took their Oath of Office to protect and serve with Honor! I also commit to you that once the investigation is completed, the results will be presented to our State Attorney with a strong request for prosecution to the extent the law will allow. I will also be forwarding their actions to FDLE so that their Law Enforcement certifications are revoked!”
The criminal investigation involving both of the Derossett defendants remains active, and Criminal investigators are in direct consultation with the State Attorney regarding the potential for additional charges, and the possibility of additional arrests.
Anyone with information about this Investigation is asked to please call Major Tod Goodyear with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigative Services at (321) 633-8400, or CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477), you can also visit https://crimeline.org/, or text ‘crimeline’ plus your tip to CRIME (274637). All information to CRIMELINE is confidential and you may be eligible for a reward.
