BROWARD COUNTY, FL (Boca Post) (Copyright © 2026) — A BSO detention deputy has been terminated after being arrested by Broward Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit detectives on sexual battery and false imprisonment charges tied to an alleged incident in Deerfield Beach.
BSO said the case began after a Florida woman reported she was attending a house party in Deerfield Beach where she was sexually battered. Detectives said the sex offenses occurred in the early morning hours of Monday, March 16.
Detectives identified the offender as 25-year-old Edwin Horace, according to BSO. When questioned, Horace admitted to the sexual encounter with the victim but told detectives it was consensual. The victim told investigators the sexual acts were not consensual, BSO said.
SVU detectives arrested Horace Tuesday morning on two counts of sexual battery and one count of false imprisonment, BSO said. Following Tuesday’s arrest, BSO said he was terminated.
BSO said Horace was hired as a deputy in the Department of Detention and Community Programs and had been employed with BSO for less than one year.
The investigation expanded the next day. After further investigation, on Wednesday, March 18, detectives identified another female victim who attended the party, BSO said.
Detectives said Horace faces an additional count of false imprisonment, one count of strangulation dating violence and two counts of touch or strike battery. BSO said the investigation continues.
Sheriff Dr. Gregory Tony said the agency moved quickly to fire Horace.
“On and off duty, I expect all employees to conduct themselves lawfully and with decency. I find the allegations in this case deeply disturbing and concerning. Therefore, immediate action was taken to terminate the probationary employee,” Tony said.
The case is being handled by detectives with the Broward Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit. BSO identified the SVU detectives as K. Schnakenberg and D. Charoudis.
For residents in Boca Raton and across South Florida, the case is a reminder that the allegations involve a BSO employee but the investigation and arrest were conducted by BSO’s SVU. BSO has said the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges were announced after a second alleged victim was identified.
What happens next is the continued investigation by SVU detectives, with the agency already stating additional counts it believes Horace faces. Residents should watch for further updates from BSO as detectives continue their work and as the case moves forward through the criminal justice process.
