Deputy ‘Squashed’ Evidence In Attempted Murder Case, Sheriff Says

SARASOTA, FL — A 23-year-old Sarasota County deputy already facing criminal charges for allegedly helping another deputy cover up evidence in an attempted murder has been arrested again. This time, the sheriff’s office charged Carson Lee Plank with tampering with physical evidence.

The new charges stem from the continued investigation into the alleged actions of former sheriff’s office employee Frankie Bybee. He is accused of trying to kill a 79-year-old Sarasota woman in her home after allegedly bilking her out of thousands of dollars and “rehoming” her dog via Craigslist.

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During their investigation into the alleged Jan. 12 attack on the elderly woman, the sheriff’s office said it learned of a digital photo Plank had that “showed blood and hair evidence inside the victim’s home.” That photo, the agency reported on May 5, was never “disclosed to detectives.”

Detectives also say they uncovered a text message exchange between Plank and Bybee.

“Plank wrote, ‘Frankie, she said you tried to killer her,’” the sheriff’s office reported Friday. A few minutes later, Plank allegedly told Bybee, “we squashed it.”

See also: Ex-Deputy Accused Of Attempted Murder Faces New Charges

Plank was arrested on the new charge on May 5. The felony charge carries a $1,500 bond, which authorities say Plank posted shortly after her arrest.

Plank remains in the sheriff’s office’s employ, but is on administrative leave pending the outcome of criminal and internal investigations.

Bybee, 46, is accused of a long list of crimes that reportedly began shortly after he met the elderly woman in October 2016 while serving in his official capacity as a deputy. After striking up a relationship with the 79-year-old, Bybee is accused of giving away her dog via Craigslist, stealing more than $65,000 from her and attempting to end her life on Jan. 12 after an investigation into his alleged actions was opened by the sheriff’s office. Bybee is also accused of setting the woman up to appear suicidal by sending an email to her doctor using her name. Since his Jan. 23 arrest, prostitution charges have also surfaced against the former deputy.

Bybee faces attempted murder, exploitation of the elderly and a host of charges related to the ongoing investigation.

Plank's first arrest in the case occurred on Feb. 9.

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