Hillsborough Deputy Arrested On Stalking Charge, Sheriff Says

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, FL — A Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office deputy is facing charges after investigators say he repeatedly contacted a woman whose phone number he obtained during a traffic stop.

Andrew Brown, 39, was arrested Friday following an investigation into allegations of misconduct, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

Detectives said Brown conducted a traffic stop around 10:22 p.m. on July 7, during which he obtained the victim's phone number. After the stop, authorities said Brown sent the woman repeated unwanted messages, even after she blocked him.

Brown is charged with stalking. He has been with the sheriff's office for nine months and was assigned to the Department of Patrol Services.

Brown was suspended without pay pending the outcome of the criminal case and an internal administrative investigation.

"This deputy betrayed that trust," Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. "We will hold him accountable, just as we would anyone else who breaks the law."

The investigation remains ongoing.