Press Release
October 28, 2025
Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office
“It is with great disappointment that I must share with you that a Charlotte County deputy has been arrested after an investigation conducted by our agency revealed he was having inappropriate communications with a minor through social media. Deputy James Ford was taken into custody by our own investigative unit and is facing charges of Solicitation of a Minor, Sending Harmful Material to a Minor, and Harmful Communication to a Minor. He is currently being held in the Charlotte County Jail.
Any time a deputy is arrested, it damages the trust that we have worked so hard to build with our community. With something as serious as an arrest, and especially of this nature, I wanted to make sure you heard this news directly from me. As with any investigation into a member of this agency, we will share with you what we can, when we can; however, this is still an active investigation.
At this time, Deputy Ford has been placed on Administrative Leave Without Pay.”
– Sheriff Bill Prummell