A Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office corrections deputy is facing serious criminal charges after investigators accused him of sexually abusing a teenage girl over a period of several years. The arrest has drawn attention in both Hillsborough County and South Florida, where authorities say the alleged incidents took place.
Law enforcement officials confirmed that 42-year-old Manuel DeJesus Chavecodelgado was taken into custody this week following an investigation conducted by the Hialeah Police Department’s Special Victims Unit.
Deputy Arrested Following Investigation
According to investigators, Chavecodelgado was arrested on multiple felony charges related to alleged abuse involving a minor. Authorities charged him with three counts of lewd and lascivious molestation of a child between the ages of 12 and 16, along with one count of displaying obscene material to a minor.
The allegations emerged after a teenage girl provided information to investigators regarding incidents she said occurred when she was between 13 and 15 years old. Police launched an investigation to examine the claims and gather evidence.
Officials said the inquiry eventually led to an arrest warrant being issued for the corrections deputy.
Allegations Span Several Years
Investigators believe the alleged incidents occurred over an extended period while the victim was a teenager. According to police, the reported acts took place at residences in Hialeah as well as inside Delgado’s vehicle.
Authorities stated that during a recorded interview, the girl described several encounters that she claimed involved inappropriate sexual contact. She also alleged that Delgado showed her explicit content on his cellphone.
The details provided during the interview became a key part of the investigation conducted by the Special Victims Unit, which specializes in crimes involving children and vulnerable victims.
Charges Filed Against Corrections Officer
The criminal case includes multiple charges that carry significant legal consequences under Florida law. Lewd and lascivious molestation charges are considered serious felony offenses when they involve minors.
Court records indicate that prosecutors moved forward with charges after investigators presented evidence gathered during the inquiry.
While an arrest has been made, authorities emphasized that the case remains active and that additional investigative steps may continue as the judicial process moves forward.
As with all criminal cases, the accused is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
Arrest Warrant Signed by Judge
Officials confirmed that a judge signed an arrest warrant on June 16 after reviewing the case. The warrant authorized law enforcement officers to take Chavecodelgado into custody.
The court also established a bond totaling $65,000. Following his arrest, the deputy was booked into the criminal justice system and processed according to standard procedures.
The warrant marked a significant development in the investigation and formally initiated the criminal proceedings against the corrections officer.
Transfer to Miami-Dade Detention Facility
After being arrested, Chavecodelgado was transferred to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, one of Miami-Dade County’s primary detention facilities.
The facility houses individuals awaiting court appearances, bond hearings, and other legal proceedings. Authorities said Delgado was taken there following his arrest and booking process.
Information regarding future court dates is expected to become available as the case advances through the judicial system.