A probationary Sarasota police officer is out of a job and behind bars after investigators say he battered a 16-year-old girl while off duty.
The Sarasota Police Department said 38-year-old Gabriel Ornellas-Victorio was arrested Thursday on a charge of simple battery, defined in state law as “intentionally touching or striking another person against the will of the other.” According to the department, he was placed on administrative leave on April 2 after an internal complaint about his off-duty conduct, then fired once investigators said they developed probable cause. He is being held at the Sarasota County Jail, and anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Megan Buck at 941-263-6067, according to Tampa Bay 28.
How investigators say it unfolded
An arrest report cited by WWSB alleges Ornellas-Victorio befriended the 16-year-old under the pretense of helping her sort out post-graduation plans. The girl told police he kissed her on the cheeks and lips without her permission, according to the report.
Speaking to the station, Chief Rex Troche said, “This decision reflects our commitment to integrity and transparency,” and added that the department would protect public trust. WWSB reported that the internal investigation is ongoing.
Officer background
According to Sarasota Police Department records, Ornellas-Victorio was sworn in on Oct. 10, 2025, as a 2nd Class Probation officer. He was one of five new officers sworn in that day, and the department’s news release said the group would begin its field-training program with field training officers.
What the law says
Under Florida law, battery occurs when a person “actually and intentionally touches or strikes another person against the will of the other” and is generally a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in county jail, per Florida Statute 784.03. The Sarasota Police Department said its internal probe remains active while the criminal case moves forward.
The department reiterated that its inquiry is ongoing. Both Tampa Bay 28 and WWSB reported on the arrest and again noted that anyone with tips is asked to contact Detective Megan Buck at 941-263-6067.
