Lee County Deputy Charged With Robbery
BONITA SPRINGS (CBSMiami) - A Lee County Sheriff's deputy has been charged after he allegedly beat up and robbed a man over the weekend.
The attack happened after Michael Ronga, 41, and other deputies received a call about a disturbance at a restaurant in Bonita Springs. While at the restaurant, Ronga offered to give one of the men involved in the disturbance a ride home.
Ronga drove the man to an unknown location, battered and robbed him, according to Lee County officials. The man escaped and ran into the woods, according to the sheriff's office, and Ronga drove off.
Investigators said that there was physical evidence at the scene which led to the charges.
"Words simply can't express my disgust and disbelief. Mike Ronga has been arrested and jailed like a criminal should be and his betrayal of our office and the public trust is unforgivable," said Sheriff Mike Scott in a statement. "Immediately upon learning of this, I ordered a full investigation as we would with anyone suspected of committing such a serious crime, and we will pursue prosecution and justice to the fullest."
Ronga was charged with robbery Sunday night and placed on administrative leave without pay.
Authorities said Ronga has been with the agency since 2008.
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