PALM BAY, Fla. — A Palm Bay Police Department dispatcher was arrested on charges of having an unlawful relationship with an 11-year-old boy, authorities said.
Amanda Chandler, 40, was arrested Monday night on a warrant for eight counts of capital sexual battery and five counts of lewd and lascivious molestation, police said.
Police said Chandler was hospitalized, and once she is medically cleared, she will be taken to the Brevard County Jail where she will be held without bail.
On Aug. 1, officers said they responded to a Melbourne hospital after a relative reported that Chandler had attempted suicide.
Further investigation revealed that Chandler had an inappropriate sexual relationship with the boy she had befriended.
Police said the relationship may have started in February or March and involved physical intimacy on numerous occasions.
Detectives are asking anyone with additional information or similar contact with Chandler to contact Detective Jasmine Smith at 321-733-3028.
Chandler was employed with the department for approximately three years.
Chief Mark Renkens said he has begun the process to terminate her employment with the department. She is currently suspended without pay pending further action.
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