BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A Brevard County deputy has been arrested on charges of domestic violence against his spouse, the sheriff told Channel 9's Melonie Holt.
Sheriff Wayne Ivey on Wednesday announced the arrest of Deputy Richard Lemons, who has been with the force since 2007.
Lemons was arrested Tuesday when Melbourne police were called to a home at 3:30 p.m. because of a verbal confrontation involving Lemons and his spouse, who are going through a divorce, investigators said. Police left but returned about two hours later, after the spouse said she was physically abused when she was pushed to the ground, investigators said.
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Police said the spouse had marks on her wrist and other areas that indicated a physical fight had occurred.
"I'm not going to tolerate that. I expect our deputies to be absolute professionals both on and off duty. The men and women of the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office work hard every day to maintain a professional relationship within the community,” Ivey said.
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Lemons was in uniform, but working an off-duty job, at the time of the incident, Ivey said.
Lemons has been suspended without pay.
"If we don't immediately investigate it, if we don't immediately address it, it can only serve to tarnish the hard work and the dedication the men and women of this agency do every day," Ivey said.
An internal investigation of Lemons will also be launched.
This is a developing story. Check back on wftv.com for updates.