Florida Keys deputy axed after helping drug dealing boyfriend evade the law: deputies
A Monroe County Sheriff’s deputy was terminated Wednesday — weeks after her arrest for illegally using law enforcement records to tip off her drug dealing boyfriend about confidential informants and impending drug raids, according to officials.
Jennifer Ketcham, a 40-year-old from Key West, was fired after an internal affairs investigation into the deputy, the sheriff’s office said. She’s been on the force for three years.
“Transparency in this agency is one of my highest priorities,” said Sheriff Rick Ramsay.
READ MORE: Florida Keys deputy accused of running interference for drug dealing boyfriend
Ketcham was arrested Aug. 2 and charged with 19 felony counts of misuse of law enforcement computers, computer networks and electronic devices.
The sheriff’s office said she used law enforcement databases to look up and forward confidential information to suspected drug dealers, including her 19-year-old lover, whom she met when he was 17 years old.
Investigators sifted through nearly 12,000 text messages between the couple — within them were several illegal leaks of police information, authorities said.
In one instance, Ketcham sent him a picture of a detective who was surveilling a house he may have been connected to. She was aware he was involved in drug dealing and discussed some pick-ups he made in Redland, the messages would reveal.
On some occasions, he would send her pictures of unmarked cars to search if they were law enforcement vehicles following him. As an acting supervisor, she would also ensure fellow deputies in her squad wouldn’t go near certain avenues.
Beyond the drug dealing business, Ketcham also arrested the young man’s mother when he asked her to do so, a warrant read.
“I am committed to keeping this community informed of all significant events that occur at the Sheriff’s Office and holding employees accountable,” Ramsay said.
This story was originally published August 21, 2024 at 5:55 PM.
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