Pasco Deputy Arrested, Fired For Inappropriate Conduct

LAND O’ LAKES, FL – A Pasco County Sheriff’s deputy was arrested and ultimately fired after being accused of masturbating in front of a Pasco County resident.

Pasco County Sheriff’s Chris Nocco confirmed Tuesday, March 6, that Deputy Joseph Mercado, 25, was fired and charged with battery after a woman came forward to complain that Mercado came to her home, masturbated in her driveway in front of her and then used his finger to place semen on her breast, neck and face. He also attempted to put it on her lips but the woman said she pulled away.

"The Pasco Sheriff's Office ensures discipline is paramount in our organization," Nocco said in a statement sent to Patch. "The allegations were investigated, he was arrested and terminated."

According to the arrest affidavit. Mercado went to the victim’s home on Feb. 15 to discuss “a serious incident that he witnessed.” The woman agreed to step outside to speak with Mercado in her driveway. She said Mercado began to masturbate. The victim said she asked Mercado several times to leave.

Mercado reportedly was not on duty at the time.

Mercado was arrested Feb. 28 in Land O' Lakes and charged with simple battery. The arrest affidavit said he and the victim were not involved in an ongoing dating relationship when the incident occurred.

Mercado was among the Pasco deputies filmed during the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office’s participation in the A&E show, “Live PD.” The shows featuring the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office are still in production.

He was also featured on a Pasco Sheriff’s Office Twitter series called “Why We Wear the Badge.”

Mercado said the reason he wears the badge is “because I love my community.”

Video via Pasco County Sheriff's Office