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Press Release

Former Deputy Indicted For Civil Rights Violations And Obstruction Of Justice

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Florida

Fort Myers, Florida – United States Attorney A. Lee Bentley, III announces the unsealing of an indictment charging Michael J. Ronga (43, Cape Coral) with deprivation of civil rights and obstruction of justice.  If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison for the civil rights charge and up to 20 years in federal prison for the obstruction of justice charge.

The indictment alleges that on May 5, 2013, while working as a deputy sheriff with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Ronga assaulted “R.L.C.” causing bodily injury, and also took money and a cellphone from “R.L.C.”  Ronga also allegedly lied to law enforcement about his interactions with “R.L.C.” on that day.

An indictment is merely a formal charge that a defendant has committed one or more violations of federal criminal law, and every defendant is presumed innocent unless,  and until, proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  It will be prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Amira D. Fox and Chief Assistant United States Attorney Jesus M. Casas.

Updated February 4, 2016

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Topic
Civil Rights