Hillsborough County is grappling with a disturbing incident involving a local fire rescue lieutenant and his wife, arrested on charges of sexually abusing a minor. According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, Sascha Engel, 39, a lieutenant with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, and his wife, Alyssa Engel, 37, were apprehended on August 22. The investigation that led to their arrest began in late April after deputies were alerted to an incident that transpired at a Riverview residence in March 2024.
The case against Engels unfolded after authorities looked into allegations that the minor was coerced into sexual activities by the couple. Listing the details, the Sheriff's Office asserted that both Sascha and Alyssa Engel were responsible for this serious infringement of trust. Sheriff Chad Chronister expressed his contempt for the couple's actions, stating, "It is both disgusting and deeply disappointing to see not one, but two adults join together to take advantage of a young child, especially when one of those adults is a trusted authority in our community." He called the violation of innocence "disgraceful" and cleary opposed to community values, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
The Engel couple now faces charges that could lead to significant prison time, if convicted. Details of the proceedings following their arrest remain sparse as the justice system administers its course. However, the Sheriff’s Office assures the public that thoroughness is the tenor of their investigation and subsequent actions.
