former BCSO employees Larry Blair, Raymond Sutherland voluntarily tendered resignations
ABOVE VIDEO:Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey reported during a press conference last Sunday that two BCSO employees have been dismissed from the agency after an investigation involving prostitution. On Thursday, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office released the names of the former agency members identified during this investigation as 56-year-old Larry Blair and 29-year-old Raymond Sutherland. “The conduct of these two employees is criminal and their actions as a representation of our agency is disgusting,” said Sheriff Wayne Ivey.
BREVARD COUTY, FLORIDA – Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey reported during a press conference last Sunday that two BCSO employees had been terminated from the agency after an investigation involving prostitution.
On Thursday, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office released the names of the former agency members identified during this investigation as 56-year-old Larry Blair and 29-year-old Raymond Sutherland.
Both Blair and Sutherland voluntarily tendered resignations subsequent to their interviews with investigators, according to Cpl. Dave Jacobs of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Ivey said that the two former BCSO employees were connected to Mary Ellyn Derossett, who was arrested last month after an incident in which Sheriff’s Agent Casey Smith was shot by John Franklin Derossett.
“The conduct of these two employees is criminal and their actions as a representation of our agency is disgusting,” said Sheriff Wayne Ivey.
Sheriff Wayne Ivey
“I am extremely proud of the nearly 1,500 members of our agency who work around the clock to protect our citizens, and the actions of these two individuals sicken me.”
“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.”
Following the arrests of John Franklin Derossett and Mary Ellen Derossett on August 21, Agents of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office have continued to investigate the incident, according to Cpl. Jacobs.
Mary Ellen DerossettJohn Franklin Derossett
Based on records that were collected during the initial phase of the criminal investigation, Agents have tentatively identified multiple individuals, including former BCSO employees Blair and Sutherland, who are believed to have been involved in the criminal activities of Mary Derossett.
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office has since initiated and completed an internal investigation concerning the misconduct allegations involving both former employees.
“The formal administrative inquiry revealed evidence that both Blair and Sutherland engaged in individual criminal acts of prostitution with Mary Derossett,” said Cpl. Jacobs in a release.
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office has forwarded the investigative findings along with the request of criminal prosecution for both Blair and Sutherland to the State Attorney’s Office for their review and consideration.
A copy of the formal administrative inquiry and findings will be directed to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement for certification revocation consideration.
“This investigation was part of an ongoing and significant operation that has resulted in well over 250 arrests during the past six weeks,” said Sheriff Ivey during last Sunday’s press conference.
“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.”
On Sunday, Sheriff Ivey said that Agent Casey Smith’s recovery is progressing well and he should be out of the hospital around September 23.
“His spirits are great, and he’s ready to get out of the hospital and come home,” said Sheriff Ivey.
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 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.
“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.”
