Florida Deputy of the Year resigns amid misconduct investigation

Michael Fultz, the 2025 Deputy of the Year for the Brevard County Sheriff's Office in Florida, resigned in May following an investigation into egregious misconduct. The investigation was initiated after an email from Fultz's ex-girlfriend was sent to the agency.

Internal affairs records indicate that Fultz admitted to posing for a 2023 photograph where his mustache was shaved to mimic Adolf Hitler, though he claimed the image was a joke. He also confirmed the use of racial slurs in text messages. Additionally, investigators looked into allegations that Fultz pointed a firearm at his ex-girlfriend during a sexual encounter.

The controversy emerged shortly after the agency honored Fultz with the Medal of Valor for his actions during a fatal shooting. The ex-girlfriend's email, which detailed the alleged conduct, reportedly reached the sheriff's office on the same day as the award ceremony.