Former Alachua Deputy Sentenced to 27 Months for Accepting Bribes

GAINESVILLE—Josue Ostolaza, 36, a former deputy sheriff with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, was sentenced yesterday to serve 27 months in federal prison for accepting bribes and conspiring with others to commit bribery.

Between February 1, 2003, and May 19, 2007, Ostolaza accepted more than $15,000 from Robert Alexander Krasnow in exchange for using his influence as a deputy sheriff for Krasnow’s benefit. During that time, Ostolaza protected Krasnow from domestic violence investigations and arrests, and kept watch over Krasnow’s then-wife, a task that included arresting an individual at Krasnow’s direction.

Earlier this year, both Ostolaza and Krasnow pled guilty in United States District Court in Gainesville to multiple counts of bribery and conspiracy to commit that offense. Krasnow’s sentencing is scheduled for August 4, 2011.

U.S. Attorney Pamela Marsh praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, whose joint investigation led to the convictions in these cases. Marsh said, “Law enforcement officers have a sworn duty to protect the rights and safety of each and every citizen in the communities they serve. When one officer is corrupted by bribery, the entire community suffers. Mr. Ostolaza abused his power, and violated the law and the public’s trust. This prosecution makes clear that law enforcement officers will be held accountable when they betray their duty for personal gain.”

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Corey J. Smith.