Broward Sheriff’s Office detention deputy arrested on sexual battery charges and immediately terminated from employment

Deerfield Beach, Florida – A detention deputy with the Broward Sheriff’s Office has been terminated following his arrest in connection with a sexual battery investigation in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Authorities confirmed that the arrest was carried out by detectives from the agency’s Special Victims Unit, who say the investigation began after a woman reported being assaulted during a house party.

According to investigators, the suspect—identified as 25-year-old Edwin Horace—was taken into custody Tuesday morning. He faces two counts of sexual battery and one count of false imprisonment related to the alleged incident.

Detectives say the events under investigation occurred in the early morning hours of Monday, March 16. A woman told investigators she had been attending a gathering at a home in Deerfield Beach when the alleged assault took place. During interviews with authorities, the victim stated that the sexual acts were not consensual.

When questioned by detectives, Horace acknowledged that he had engaged in a sexual encounter with the woman. However, according to investigators, he told them the interaction had been consensual.

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At the time of his arrest, Horace had been employed as a detention deputy with the Broward Sheriff’s Office Department of Detention and Community Programs. Officials said he had been working with the agency for less than a year.

Following the arrest, the Broward Sheriff’s Office moved quickly to end his employment. Officials confirmed that the deputy was terminated shortly after he was taken into custody.

As the investigation continued, detectives reported that another potential victim had been identified. On Wednesday, March 18, investigators said they located a second woman who had attended the same party.

Authorities allege that additional offenses involving the second woman may have occurred during the same time period. According to detectives, Horace now faces further charges that include an additional count of false imprisonment, one count of strangulation related to dating violence, and two counts of touch or strike battery.

Investigators have not released further details about the circumstances of the alleged incidents, noting that the case remains active as detectives continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.

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In response to the arrest and allegations, Gregory Tony, sheriff of the Broward Sheriff’s Office, issued a statement emphasizing expectations for law enforcement employees.

“On and off duty, I expect all employees to conduct themselves lawfully and with decency. I find the allegations in this case deeply disturbing and concerning. Therefore, immediate action was taken to terminate the probationary employee,” Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony said.

Officials said the Special Victims Unit continues to investigate the case. Detectives are working to determine whether additional victims or witnesses may come forward as the inquiry progresses.

Authorities have not announced a court date for Horace, and the investigation remains ongoing.