INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, Fla. — A veteran deputy with the Indian River County Sheriff's Office, who is the son of a county commissioner, was fired Monday after he was arrested on stalking charges.
During an afternoon news conference, Sheriff Eric Flowers said the deputy, identified as Sam Earman, is the son of Indian River County District 3 Commissioner Joe Earman.
WATCH BELOW: Sheriff Eric Flowers announces arrest of veteran deputy
Flowers said they have been investigating this case since early October after the victim contacted the sheriff's office.
"She was afraid that (the deputy) was going to escalate what was happening," Flowers said. "Our team took that into consideration, they identified the deputy. ... He was driving around this lady's residence. He was outside his assigned patrol area. He was doing things on duty very inappropriate. He was sending text messages. He was cyberstalking her. He was physically stalking her."
The sheriff said they conducted a search warrant on the deputy's personal cellphone and found "really disturbing things" that were being sent to various people.
"We've identified other victims already," Flowers said.
Sam Earman, who has been a deputy for 10 years, faces charges of stalking and criminal misuse of agency computers.
"He did search his victim in this case using our agency database. He got information about where she lived," Flowers said.
If you have been stopped by Sam Earman or contacted by him either in person or on social media, you are urged to contact the Indian River County Sheriff's Office at (772) 569-6700 and ask for Detective Kerrie Crawford.
"He's tarnished the badge. It's an awful day," Flowers said.
Sam Earman is being held at the Indian River County Jail on a $30,000 bond.
