In a recent development in the case involving ousted Florida GOP leader Christian Ziegler, Sarasota police have decided against recommending rape charges. However, Ziegler could still face felony charges related to the alleged illegal recording of the encounter with the initial complainant.
According to a statement released by the Sarasota Police Department on Friday, a video allegedly recorded by Ziegler of the encounter was reviewed, leading investigators to believe that the encounter was likely consensual. As a result, they were unable to establish probable cause for sexual battery charges.
However, during a follow-up interview with the alleged victim, it was revealed that she was unaware of being recorded and did not consent to it. Consequently, police have recommended that Ziegler be charged with video voyeurism. The case has been forwarded to State Attorney Ed Brodsky’s office for further review.
Ziegler, who was removed from his position as chair of the Republican Party of Florida earlier this month for refusing to step down during the criminal probe, has consistently maintained that the October encounter was consensual. His attorney, Derek Byrd, expressed confidence in Ziegler’s exoneration, emphasizing his client’s honesty and cooperation with law enforcement.
The case has also implicated Ziegler’s wife, Bridget Ziegler, a co-founder of Moms for Liberty and a Sarasota County school board member. Both Zieglers acknowledged a previous consensual three-way encounter with the alleged victim.
The revelations have led to accusations of hypocrisy, as the Zieglers, who espouse traditional family values, face calls to step down from their respective positions. While Bridget Ziegler has refused to resign from the school board despite calls from colleagues, Christian Ziegler’s refusal to resign as the investigation unfolded drew criticism from high-level Republicans, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio, and U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz.
The case has garnered significant public attention, and the Zieglers’ reputations have been adversely affected. Despite the Sarasota Police Department’s decision not to pursue sexual battery charges, the video voyeurism accusations continue to pose legal challenges for Christian Ziegler.
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