OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. — An Osceola County deputy was arrested Tuesday after investigators said he used unnecessary force against a 67-year-old woman during a DUI arrest and falsely claimed she battered him.
Deputy Joseph Billittier faces charges of battery on a person 65 or older, official misconduct, perjury in an official proceeding and falsifying a public or court record, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Sheriff Christopher Blackmon said Billittier has been relieved of duty pending formal termination proceedings.
Supervisors raised concerns after reviewing video
The investigation stems from a Sept. 25 traffic stop near Simpson Road in Kissimmee.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, a motorist called 911 after seeing a Toyota Corolla traveling the wrong way on Royal Palm Road. The Corolla eventually stopped in the median on Simpson Road, where the caller removed its keys.
Billittier responded and conducted a DUI investigation. Deputies arrested the 67-year-old driver and handcuffed her in front.
The woman told deputies she had broken her clavicle in May, and her left arm was in a sling, according to the release.
The Sheriff’s Office said the interaction became physical as she was placed in a patrol vehicle and transported to jail. Jail staff requested medical clearance, and she was transported to a hospital.
Supervisors reviewing body-camera and in-car video raised concerns about Billittier’s treatment of the woman and his allegation that she battered him.
Investigators determined the woman did not batter the deputy and that he used unnecessary force while handling her, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Deputy faces four charges
The Sheriff’s Office said a criminal investigation was reviewed by the State Attorney’s Office before a judge signed an arrest warrant Tuesday.
Billittier was booked into the Osceola County Jail. The agency listed no bond on the battery charge, $2,500 each for official misconduct and perjury, and $1,000 for falsifying a public or court record.
“The badge represents public’s trust, and no one is above the law, especially those sworn to enforce it,” Blackmon said in a statement.
The release did not specify the woman’s injuries or the status of her DUI case. It also did not include a response from Billittier or an attorney representing him.
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