A former corrections deputy with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office is facing charges after allegedly pulling a gun on a man during an altercation at Ackerman Park on June 21. According to WTSP, Benjamin Sampey, 21, initially claimed that he displayed his agency-issued handgun in self-defense as he was attempting to break up a fight.
However, further investigation by the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office revealed contradictions to Sampey's account of the event, as witnesses reported he was actually involved in a verbal argument with another man prior to drawing his weapon and pointing it at the man's head which is not the proper conduct expected from someone in his position. Following his arrest, Sampey resigned from his position with the Sheriff's Office, a post he had held since February 2023, as reported by FOX 13 News.
Sampey has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. "This is not acceptable behavior for any employee of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and will not be tolerated," Sheriff Rick Wells commented in a statement obtained by WFLA, further commending the prompt response by the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office in the matter.
