A Hillsborough County deputy has been arrested following an incident of domestic violence. Mark Verkest, 38, is facing charges after an altercation with a woman in their Mulberry home, WFLA reported.
According to the news release, Polk County deputies responded to the home on Saturday and took Verkest into custody after an investigation confirmed that he had, indeed, battered his acquaintance. This incident resulted in Verkest also being placed under a Baker Act due to comments he made during the occurrence, Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office stated.
Sheriff Chad Chronister expressed his disappointment in a statement saying, "Deputies are entrusted with the responsibility to serve as role models in our community, and this behavior is completely unacceptable and disappointing." He added, "I expect every HCSO deputy to hold themselves to the highest standards of conduct and integrity, both in their professional and personal lives," as mentioned in a release referenced by Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
Verkest, who was hired by the sheriff's office in September 2017, is now on unpaid administrative leave pending the outcome, of the investigation. Details regarding the investigation are still forthcoming and those seeking additional information are directed to reach out to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
