Current:Home > InvestNo video voyeurism charge for ousted Florida GOP chair, previously cleared in rape case-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
No video voyeurism charge for ousted Florida GOP chair, previously cleared in rape case
View Date:2024-12-24 07:22:42
SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) — The ousted former chair of the Republican Party of Florida will not face a video voyeurism charge for recording a sexual encounter with a woman who accused him of rape, a case in which he was also not charged, prosecutors said Wednesday.
The woman made inconsistent statements about whether or not she consented to the video made by Christian Ziegler during the October encounter at her home, prosecutors said in a memo. A crime could be committed if there was sufficient evidence the video was made without her knowledge and consent.
The woman told investigators that “she could have consented to the video being taken — she is simply unable to recall one way or the other,” the memo said.
Ziegler maintained his innocence throughout the investigation, his attorney Derek Byrd said in an email.
“Mr. Ziegler is relieved to be completely cleared of the false allegations and any criminal wrongdoing. We cooperated at every stage of investigation and as difficult as it was, we remained quiet out of respect for the investigation,” Byrd said.
Ziegler, 40, previously admitted having sex with the woman but insisted it was consensual. Court records show that his wife, Bridget Ziegler, told detectives the three had engaged in sex once more than a year ago. Police said Bridget Ziegler backed out of the recent planned encounter but that her husband went to the accuser’s apartment alone.
Bridget Ziegler is a prominent conservative who co-founded the Moms for Liberty organization and is also an elected member of the Sarasota County school board. She was also appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to the board that now oversees Walt Disney World’s land development.
The controversy led the state Republican Party to remove Ziegler as chair in January. There have also been efforts in Sarasota to force Bridget Ziegler from the school board, but she has refused to resign.
veryGood! (98)
Related
- Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul VIP fight package costs a whopping $2M. Here's who bought it.
- NYC man is charged with insurance fraud in staged car crash captured by dashcam
- The Boy Scouts inspired Norman Rockwell. His works will now help pay abuse survivors
- Kohl’s unveils Black Friday plans: Here’s when customers can expect deals
- QTM Community Introduce
- Federal Regulators Inspect a Mine and the Site of a Fatal Home Explosion Above It
- Why Wicked’s Marissa Bode Wants Her Casting to Set A New Precedent in Hollywood
- Watch as Rockefeller Christmas tree begins journey to NYC: Here's where it's coming from
- How Saturday Night Live Reacted to Donald Trump’s Win Over Kamala Harris
- 1 monkey recovered safely, 42 others remain on the run from South Carolina lab
Ranking
- Medical King recalls 222,000 adult bed assistance rails after one reported death
- Ice Age 6 Movie Sequel Is in the Works, So Prepare for an Avalanche of Fun
- Beware of flood-damaged vehicles being sold across US. How to protect yourself.
- Buccaneers donate $10K to family of teen fan killed in crash on way to 'MNF' game
- Does the NFL have a special teams bias when hiring head coaches? History indicates it does
- Wicked's Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth Have Magical Red Carpet Moment
- Michigan jury awards millions to a woman fired after refusing to get a COVID-19 vaccine
- Jennifer Lopez's Jaw-Dropping Look at the Wicked Premiere Will Get You Dancing Through Life
Recommendation
-
Bohannan requests a recount in Iowa’s close congressional race as GOP wins control of House
-
Colorado, Deion Sanders control their own destiny after win over Texas Tech: Highlights
-
Tony Todd, Star of Candyman, Dead at 69
-
Beware of flood-damaged vehicles being sold across US. How to protect yourself.
-
Judge sets April trial date for Sarah Palin’s libel claim against The New York Times
-
US Park Police officer won't be charged in shooting death of 17-year-old woken up by police
-
Sophia Bush's Love For Wicked Has a Sweet One Tree Hill Connection
-
See Michelle Yeoh Debut Blonde Bob at the Wicked's L.A. Premiere