Local

FWC officer arrested Putnam Deputy for BUI in June. Now state investigators say he’s innocent

PUTNAM COUNTY, Fla. — The State Attorney’s Office announced Friday it is dropping all charges against a Putnam County reserve deputy arrested in June for allegedly operating a boat while under the influence.

Zach Prevatt was arrested by an officer with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conversation Commission (FWC) on June 27 and immediately placed on administrative leave by the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO).

Last week, the Office of State Attorney determined that no probable cause for the arrest existed, and notified the sheriff’s office the charge against Prevatt was dismissed.

Following the announcement by the state attorney, PCSO launched its own investigation.

After reviewing all the evidence in the case, including body camera footage, Putnam investigators determined there was no probable cause for Prevatt’s arrest and he was again exonerated of all criminal charges, as well as sheriff’s office policy violations.

In an official statement, PCSO called Prevatt’s arrest an “egregious violation committed by one rogue FWC officer who reflects poorly on their organization.”

“The Sheriff’s Office holds our members to the highest standards of performance and ethical conduct. We also stand behind our members who are not guilty of accusations made against them. We are proud to have Deputy Prevatt back in service to the residents of Putnam County.”

PCSO says the FWC officer who arrested Prevatt last month is under investigation by the inspector general.

Samantha Mathers

Samantha Mathers, Action News Jax

Samantha Mathers is a digital reporter and content creator for Action News Jax.