Manatee Deputy Faces Criminal Charges

BRADENTON, FL — A veteran Manatee County sheriff's deputy was charged with transmission of harmful material to a minor and related offenses, according to the sheriff's office.

"Corrections Sgt. Stephen Utter was arrested today for his alleged role in an online chat investigation by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office," the Manatee County sheriff said Tuesday.

Utter was also charged with unlawful use of a two-way communications device and use of computer devices to solicit illegal acts.

“It is extremely upsetting to learn that a member of the Manatee County Sheriffs’ Office participated in such despicable, unlawful behavior," Manatee Sheriff Rick Wells said. "These actions are shocking and unacceptable on all levels. I would like to commend Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office detectives for their diligent work in removing this threat to the most vulnerable in the community, our children."

The 37-year-old Utter was hired by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office in October of 2011 and assigned to the Corrections Bureau. The sheriff's office said the deputy was terminated.