Pasco County deputy arrested on child sexual abuse charges

Donald Valverde, a corporal with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office in Florida, has been arrested and fired following allegations of child sexual abuse. Sheriff Chris Nocco announced the arrest after an underage victim came forward with details of abuse that occurred over a “lengthy period of time.”

Valverde faces two counts of lewd and lascivious molestation and one charge of unlawful sexual activity with a minor. Investigators noted that Valverde and the victim had a “custodial relationship” and were known to each other. Sheriff Nocco praised the victim’s bravery and urged any other potential victims to come forward.

Valverde joined the department in 2015 and previously worked in the patrol division before moving to a logistical division. Sheriff Nocco described Valverde’s record as “far from stellar,” noting that the department had previously investigated him for domestic abuse allegations, though no grounds for dismissal were found at that time.