After Refusing To Wear Mask At Walmart, Deputy Suspended: Report

BRADENTON, FL — After refusing to wear a mask while shopping at Walmart, a Manatee County Sheriff’s Office deputy has been suspended, WWSB reported.

Deputy Billie Woodson was off duty during his family’s Sept. 21 shopping trip to the Walmart located at 6225 E State Road 64 in Bradenton. Despite signs reminding shoppers and employees that face coverings were required in the building, Woodson and his family entered the store without masks, reports said.

While shopping, another customer asked him why his family wasn’t wearing masks. Woodson flashed his badge and told them he didn’t wear a mask because of “his right to choose, he, and his wife, possessed conceal weapons permits, he has a medical condition and he is a law enforcement officer,” reports said.

He refused to provide his name, badge number or the name of his agency when asked by the customer, reports said. MCSO received an email about the incident and identified Woodson after reviewing the store’s surveillance footage.

“It is alleged that Deputy Wilson’s conduct was unbecoming when his behavior led to his employer and occupation becoming intertwined with his personal beliefs,” said the Sheriff’s Office. “As a result, Deputy Wilson’s actions were in conflict with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office standards of conduct and core values.”