Broward Detention Deputy fired after arrest on sexual battery charges
Key Points(5)
- A detention deputy with the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) has been terminated following his arrest this week on multiple criminal charges, including sexual battery and false imprisonment.
- BSO spokeswoman Veda Coleman-Wright confirmed on Friday that Edwin Horace, 25, was taken into custody on Tuesday after a woman reported that she was sexually assaulted early Monday morning at a house party in Deerfield Beach.
- According to investigators, Horace acknowledged the sexual encounter but maintained it was consensual.
- He was subsequently arrested and charged with sexual battery and false imprisonment.
- Following his arrest, BSO moved to terminate his employment.
A detention deputy with the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) has been terminated following his arrest this week on multiple criminal charges, including sexual battery and false imprisonment.
BSO spokeswoman Veda Coleman-Wright confirmed on Friday that Edwin Horace, 25, was taken into custody on Tuesday after a woman reported that she was sexually assaulted early Monday morning at a house party in Deerfield Beach.
According to investigators, Horace acknowledged the sexual encounter but maintained it was consensual. He was subsequently arrested and charged with sexual battery and false imprisonment. Following his arrest, BSO moved to terminate his employment.
Detectives later identified a second alleged victim on Wednesday, who reported a separate incident involving Horace at the same party. In that case, he faces additional charges, including false imprisonment, strangulation in a dating violence context, and two counts of touch or strike battery.
Coleman-Wright said Horace had been employed with the agency for less than a year. Records indicate he was hired on June 30, 2025, as a deputy in the Department of Detention and Community Programs.
“The investigation into the accusations against Horace remains ongoing,” Coleman-Wright said in a statement.
Broward County Sheriff Gregory Tony described the allegations as “deeply disturbing and concerning,” adding that immediate action was taken to terminate the probationary employee.
Authorities have not disclosed whether Horace knew either of the alleged victims prior to the party.
Jail records show Horace posted a $110,000 bond. A judge has ordered him to have no contact with the alleged victims, wear a GPS monitoring device, avoid the location where the incidents reportedly occurred, and refrain from possessing weapons or ammunition.
He remained listed in custody at the Broward County Main Jail as of Friday afternoon.
