A former Indian River County sheriff’s deputy pleaded guilty Thursday to abusing a child in exchange for the state dropping molestation charges as part of a plea deal.
Steve Peek was sentenced to time served and 36 months probation for two counts of aggravated child abuse. Peek was adjudicated guilty, court records show.
Deputies arrested Peek in 2016 on allegations he touched a child between 12- and 16-years-old in a lewd and lascivious manner.
Peek was given credit towards his sentence for 152 days in jail.
Peek worked for the agency between 2008 and 2014 when he left to pursue another career, according to the sheriff’s office.
He was rehired as a deputy in 2016. Indian River County Sheriff Deryl Loar said he fired Peek in 2016 after learning about the criminal allegations against Peek.