Lee County deputy fired for not submitting drugs, IDs as evidence
An internal investigation into Deputy Juan Rosado began on Sept. 30 after an anonymous tip was filed within the department, which advised deputies that Rosado was in possession of illegal drugs.

Monday, October 15th 2018, 11:28 PM EDT by Nestor Montoya

The Lee County Sheriff's Office fired a deputy Thursday after finding seized evidence, such as marijuana and identification cards, inside his patrol car that had been there for weeks.

An internal investigation into Deputy Juan Rosado began on Sept. 30 after an anonymous tip was filed within the department, which advised deputies that Rosado was in possession of illegal drugs.

That's when deputies found more than 13 grams of marijuana, 50 grams of marijuana oil, and paraphernalia inside of Rosado's patrol car's trunk. Five Florida license plates and 11 government issues ID's were also found, according to documents.

Rosado was placed on administrative leave that same day.


Rosado told investigators he seized the items from two prior traffic stops, but he did not submit them as evidence.

He also never completed documentation for either of the traffic stops and told investigators he estimated he held the narcotics for three to six weeks.

Due to the findings, Deputy Rosado was requested to complete a drug screening which he passed. The Lee County Sheriff's Office was unable to find evidence to suggest Rosado had held onto the narcotics with the intent to profit from them.

However, the Sheriff's Office said he did violate policies.