2 Brevard deputies accused of soliciting prostitution fired

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Two Brevard County sheriff's deputies have been fired for being customers of a prostitute who was the target of a bust two weeks ago that left a sheriff's agent critically injured the sheriff says.

Channel 9 learned the firings were the result of information uncovered after the shooting.

Agent Casey Smith and a suspect were both shot on Covina Street in Port St. John last month.

Raw: Brevard deputy critical after shootout

Photos: Scene where officer was shot in Brevard County

The Sheriff's Office said the deputies' names were revealed as agents combed through evidence in the shooting of Smith. The evidence included a suspect ledger and phone records.

The special investigations unit was there to bust 42-year-old Mary Ellyn Derossett for prostitution, but the investigation led to the termination of the two officers authorities said were customers of Derossett.

"They were customers of Mary Derossetts . I don't know how someone gets to that point in their life," said Sheriff Wayne Ivey.

Ivey said he could not name the deputies due to the ongoing investigation.

The Sheriff's Office said the allegations against the men will be sent to the State Attorney's Office for review. Ivey is recommending that their law enforcement certifications be revoked.

"We want everyone to know that we police our own, that no one is exempt from the law," Ivey said.

In the meantime, Smith has a long recovery ahead but could be released from the hospital later this month.

WFTV