MANATEE COUNTY — The Deputy Chief of Manatee County Emergency Medical Services has been arrested following an investigation into alleged sexual abuse of a child, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
Investigators identified the suspect as Zachary Molnar, 46, who serves as the Deputy Chief of Operations at Manatee County EMS.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began on July 16, 2026, when the agency’s Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit was contacted by the FBI’s Florida field office regarding a Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) investigation involving a suspect in another jurisdiction.
During a forensic examination of that suspect’s electronic device, investigators discovered multiple images and videos allegedly showing an adult male engaging in lewd acts with a child. The FBI subsequently identified the adult male as Molnar.
Detectives with the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office obtained a search warrant for Molnar’s residence. During the execution of the warrant, investigators confirmed he was the individual depicted in the images with a child under the age of 14, according to authorities.
Investigators said interviews with the child revealed Molnar had committed lewd acts within the past several months. Detectives also uncovered evidence indicating the alleged abuse may have been ongoing for several years.
Molnar was arrested and booked into the Manatee County Jail on one count of Lewd and Lascivious Conduct.
The Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains active, and additional charges may be filed as detectives continue their investigation.
Anyone with information relevant to the case is encouraged to contact the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.