Report: Second BSO Deputy Suspended Over Prostitution Sting
POMPANO BEACH (CBSMiami) – The Broward County Sheriff's Office has suspended a second deputy after a prostitution sting conducted by the department ended with Deputy Christian Benenati arrested for soliciting another for lewdness.
BSO arrested Deputy Benenati, 40, Thursday and he was suspended with pay pending the outcome of the investigation.
According to the arrest affidavit, an off-duty Benenati approached a female officer working undercover as a prostitute on the 1200 block of NW 31 Avenue in Pompano Beach and solicited her for oral sex. In exchange, he offered her $20.
Police say the undercover officer agreed to the deal and told Benenati to park his car and follow her to a nearby hotel, which was under surveillance by BSO deputies. Benenati reportedly declined the room, allegedly saying he preferred the car. He was later arrested when the undercover officer signaled the deal was complete.
The report about Benenati's arrest was signed by Sgt. George Anthony, III. BSO told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel that Anthony has also been suspended.
However, BSO declined to discuss specifics of the suspension due to an on-going internal affairs investigation, according to the Sun-Sentinel.
