9 Investigates

Former Turnberry Reserve security guard files lawsuit claiming injuries, emotional distress

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — A moment caught on camera between an Osceola County commissioner and a Turnberry Reserve security guard led to the woman's arrest and is now the subject of a lawsuit.

The suit filed claims injuries and emotional distress by the security guard, Ailyn Depena.

Depena no longer works for the Osceola County community after the HOA broke ties with Management 35 Firm following months of reporting by Channel 9.

READ: FDLE reviewing incident between Osceola County commissioner, former community security guard

Though she did continue working for months after her arrest, Depena claims in this lawsuit that she suffered physical injuries and a loss of work following the incident.

The suit claims Hawkins “physically forced his way past Depena by moving her aside with his body” and then “falsely claimed that she touched or struck him without his consent.”

The suit goes on to claim that “despite knowing that Depena had not committed a crime, deputy Marquith forcefully grabbed and twisted her arm and pushed her out of the rented room and through a dense crowd.”

The law firm representing Depena told Channel 9 they had no comment in regards to the suit.

Karla Ray

Karla Ray, WFTV.com

Karla Ray anchors Eyewitness News This Morning on Saturday and Sundays, and is an investigative reporter for the 9 Investigates unit.

Sarah Wilson

Sarah Wilson, WFTV.com

Sarah Wilson joined WFTV Channel 9 in 2018 as a digital producer after working as an award-winning newspaper reporter for nearly a decade in various communities across Central Florida.