Okeechobee County Detective fired after inmate sex misconduct allegations

On Wednesday, Sheriff Paul C. May fired Detective Sergeant TJ Brock from the Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office. Sheriff May also said that the criminal investigation into the allegations against former Detective Sergeant TJ Brock has been turned over to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Det Sgt. T.J. Brock was placed on administrative leave with pay on Friday after allegations of misconduct were brought to the Sheriff's attention.

Okeechobee County Sheriff May said a full and throrough investigation is being conducted into sexual misconduct allegations and when he knows the facts he will act accordingly and swiftly.  The allegations are of sexual misconduct with a female inmate. The allegations are both criminal and internal in nature.  The allegations were reported to Sheriff May on July 3rd by the FBI, and State Attorney's office. Criminal charges are possible and the investigation could take several weeks.

Det. Sgt. TJ Brock has been reassigned to his home. Brock has spent 24 years with the Okeechobee County Sheriff's Office.

When asked for a reaction, Okeechobee Undersheriff Noel Stephen said, "We are shocked, hurt and upset. He is an excellent officer."