Former Pasco Detention Deputy Arrested

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — A Pasco County detention deputy accused of hitting an inmate in the head in mid-September has been fired and arrested on a battery charge.

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of Jorge Febus, 41, on a battery by a secure facility employee on a confined person charge Wednesday night. The sheriff’s office says the incident the led to the arrest and Febus’ termination occurred on Sept. 14.

“Febus was working as a deputy sheriff in the holding area of the west courthouse in New Port Richey when an inmate caused a disturbance by kicking and punching the door in the holding cell,” a Sept. 21 email from the agency said. “When the inmate was in a restraint device, Febus struck the inmate on the side of the head, without provocation.”

The sheriff’s office said the inmate, who has not been identified, was not injured. Two other deputies witnessed the incident, the agency noted.

Febus worked with the agency since 2009 until his termination after the incident.

No further information is being released at this time.

Booking photo courtesy of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office