Current:Home > StocksNo video voyeurism charge for ousted Florida GOP chair, previously cleared in rape case-LoTradeCoin
No video voyeurism charge for ousted Florida GOP chair, previously cleared in rape case
View Date:2025-01-12 20:27:14
SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) — The ousted former chair of the Republican Party of Florida will not face a video voyeurism charge for recording a sexual encounter with a woman who accused him of rape, a case in which he was also not charged, prosecutors said Wednesday.
The woman made inconsistent statements about whether or not she consented to the video made by Christian Ziegler during the October encounter at her home, prosecutors said in a memo. A crime could be committed if there was sufficient evidence the video was made without her knowledge and consent.
The woman told investigators that “she could have consented to the video being taken — she is simply unable to recall one way or the other,” the memo said.
Ziegler maintained his innocence throughout the investigation, his attorney Derek Byrd said in an email.
“Mr. Ziegler is relieved to be completely cleared of the false allegations and any criminal wrongdoing. We cooperated at every stage of investigation and as difficult as it was, we remained quiet out of respect for the investigation,” Byrd said.
Ziegler, 40, previously admitted having sex with the woman but insisted it was consensual. Court records show that his wife, Bridget Ziegler, told detectives the three had engaged in sex once more than a year ago. Police said Bridget Ziegler backed out of the recent planned encounter but that her husband went to the accuser’s apartment alone.
Bridget Ziegler is a prominent conservative who co-founded the Moms for Liberty organization and is also an elected member of the Sarasota County school board. She was also appointed by Gov. Ron DeSantis to the board that now oversees Walt Disney World’s land development.
The controversy led the state Republican Party to remove Ziegler as chair in January. There have also been efforts in Sarasota to force Bridget Ziegler from the school board, but she has refused to resign.
veryGood! (712)
Related
- Beyoncé has released lots of new products. Here's a Beyhive gift guide for the holidays
- California needs a million EV charging stations — but that’s ‘unlikely’ and ‘unrealistic’
- Ugly Copa America scenes put pressure on FIFA, U.S. stadiums to ensure safe World Cup 2026
- Kenyan police say psychopathic serial killer arrested after women's remains found in dump
- New Jersey will issue a drought warning after driest October ever and as wildfires rage
- Violence plagued officials all levels of American politics long before the attempt on Trump’s life
- 75-year-old man missing for 4 days found alive by K-9 in Maine bog
- Krispy Kreme unveils new Paris-inspired doughnut collection ahead of 2024 Olympics
- Mike Williams Instagram post: Steelers' WR shades Aaron Rodgers 'red line' comments
- Tesla's Cybertruck outsells Ford's F-150 Lightning in second quarter
Ranking
- Chris Evans Shares Thoughts on Starting a Family With Wife Alba Baptista
- Albert the alligator’s owner sues New York state agency in effort to be reunited with seized pet
- Hawaiian residents evacuated as wind-swept wildfire in Kaumakani quickly spreads
- Trial of Nadine Menendez, Bob Menendez's wife, postponed indefinitely
- The View's Sara Haines Walks Off After Whoopi Goldberg's NSFW Confession
- Anna Faris Shares Update on Her and Chris Pratt's Son Jack
- Hawaii DOE Still Doesn’t Have A Plan For How To Spend Farm-To-School Funds
- Hawaii DOE Still Doesn’t Have A Plan For How To Spend Farm-To-School Funds
Recommendation
-
GM recalling big pickups and SUVs because the rear wheels can lock up, increasing risk of a crash
-
Early Amazon Prime Day 2024 Luggage Deals: 66% Off Samsonite, U.S. Traveler, Traveler's Choice & More
-
A popular tour guide’s death leads to more scrutiny of border issues
-
Scientists have confirmed a cave on the moon that could be used to shelter future explorers
-
5-year-old boy who went missing while parent was napping is found dead near Oregon home, officials say
-
'Let me get my shoes': Trump explains why he asked for footwear after assassination attempt
-
Joe 'Jellybean' Bryant, Kobe Bryant's father, dies at 69
-
I'm a Shopping Editor, Here's What I'm Buying From Prime Day 2024: The Top 39 Best Deals