A misconduct investigation led to domestic violence charges, as the sheriff’s office says the deputy is also accused of stalking and using a tracking device.
HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla — Following a domestic violence investigation and after detectives found a tracking device in a vehicle, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) arrested one of its deputies.
HCSO said that Justin Thornsberry, 37, a deputy working in the Department of Patrol Services, was placed under arrest on Tuesday.
Thornsberry is now facing multiple domestic violence charges, including stalking, installation or use of tracking devices and unlawful use of a two-way communication device, deputies said.
According to the sheriff’s office, an investigation began on April 4 when deputies received reports of misconduct.
Investigators concluded that the incident stemmed from a personal relationship dispute, and detectives later found the tracking device on a vehicle, which they say was placed without consent.
“This case involves a serious abuse of personal privacy and authority,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “Illegally placing a tracking device on a vehicle is a criminal act. Anyone who chooses to engage in this kind of behavior will face the consequences.”
“We hold our deputies to a higher standard, and when that standard is violated, we take action,” Chronister added.
Thornsberry has been working at the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office for seven years, deputies added. He was suspended without pay, pending the outcome of a criminal and administrative investigation.
The investigation is still ongoing.
Last month, three deputies were also arrested in separate cases related to domestic violence, including a detention deputy cadet and two patrol deputies.