A former sheriff’s deputy in Florida has been arrested on a litany of felonies after allegedly planting meth and other drugs in numerous peoples’ cars during routine traffic stops.
After an investigation, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement arrested Zachary Wester, 26, on felony charges of racketeering, official misconduct, fabricating evidence, possession of a controlled substance, and false imprisonment. The FDLE also charged him with misdemeanor perjury, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested on 52 counts in all.
Wester is alleged to have violated Jackson County Sheriff’s Office policies by tailoring his body camera recordings to conceal his crimes. Since the investigation commenced, 119 cases involving Wester have been dropped.
“There is no question that Wester’s crimes were deliberate and that his actions put innocent people in jail,” FDLE Pensacola assistant special agent in charge Chris Williams said. “I am proud of the hard work and dedication shown by our agents and analysts on this case to ensure justice is served.”
Under Florida’s sentencing guidelines, Wester could face more than 13 years in prison if convicted on all charges, although a judge could decide to give him more time.
