BRADENTON – A Manatee County Sheriff’s Office corrections deputy was arrested this afternoon in Sarasota on a charge of Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon (without intent to kill). He resigned a short while later.
Benjamin Sampey, 21, who was involved in an altercation at Ackerman Park on 6/21/24, initially told Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office deputies he was breaking up a fight when he pulled out his agency-issued handgun in self-defense. Further investigation, including statements from multiple witnesses, found Sampey was not breaking up a fight but instead was in a verbal argument with another man when he pointed his gun at the man’s head.
“This is not acceptable behavior for any employee of the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and will not be tolerated,” said Sheriff Rick Wells. “I commend Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office for taking swift action on this case.”
Sampey was hired by MCSO in February of 2023 and was assigned to the Corrections Bureau. An internal investigation and an active criminal investigation are ongoing. No other details are available at this time.