Arrest of Deputy Cramer
Sheriff Ken J. Mascara announced the arrest of Deputy Evan Cramer for sexual battery on an adult 18 years of age or older.
According to the Sheriff, a female walked into the Lawnwood Regional Medical Center on Tuesday evening at approximately 8 p.m. She said she had been sexually assaulted by a law enforcement officer. That law enforcement officer was alleged to be an on-duty St. Lucie County deputy.
“Immediately, myself, Chief Deputy, Director of Law Enforcement, Criminal Investigations Division Commander and head of internal affairs responded and authorized a full investigation into these claims,” said Sheriff Ken J. Mascara. “Multiple detectives were called in to conduct this investigation, and sadly, these allegations were substantiated and one of our own was identified.”
The Arrest
Detectives with the Sheriff’s Office arrested Cramer. He was a an 8-month employee of the Sheriff’s Office. Cramer was hired as a Reserve Deputy on May 1st. Subsequently he was hired as a full time deputy on October 1st. He has been assigned to the District Patrol Operations for that entire time. Cramer worked the 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift.
At approximately 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 24th, Cramer was in the area of 21st Street and Florida Avenue when he initiated a stop on a female for a minor traffic offense. Cramer established she had warrants issued for her arrest.
The Sheriff said Cramer stopped the woman without notifying dispatch, Subsequently in the course of speaking with her he negotiated a sex act in exchange for not going to jail. He placed the victim in his patrol vehicle. Then he transported her to 1.7 miles to a vacant lot on 29th Street and Virginia Avenue. It is there where the sex act took place.
Remarks by Sheriff Mascara
“A community, much like a home, is supported by pillars of strength,” Mascara said. “One of those pillars is made up of law enforcement, and the members of law enforcement are charged to live their life as an example to others. That example includes a lawful life with the highest of integrity, moral character, decency and respect. Unfortunately, today, I’m disheartened to announce that one of our own deputies has fallen short of this expectation.”
The Sheriff said it is possible this may not have been the first time this type of incident has occurred. He is asking for anyone who may have been victimized by Cramer to contact the Criminal Investigations Division at 772-462-3230.
“It’s important to note that I, along with my command staff and every member of this agency, take allegations such as these with the utmost seriousness,” Mascara said. “The allegation against Cramer was made and our agency acted swiftly and precisely to thoroughly investigate them and take appropriate action. As of this morning, I have rescinded Mr. Cramer’s appointment as a Deputy Sheriff and he has been terminated.”
According to the Sheriff, and in compliance with agency policy they have authorized an internal affairs investigation into this incident. This administratively documents the violations of agency policy and provide to FDLE information that may be used to revoke his law enforcement certification.
Booking
Cramer was booked into the St. Lucie County Jail on sexual assault/battery and unlawful compensation. He is currently being held without bond.
He will attend first appearance tomorrow morning.
“During a time in our nation when respect for law enforcement is at an all-time high, incidents such as this quickly erode that trust and respect,” Mascara said. “And, I want to apologize to our community and other members of the law enforcement family for the dishonorable actions of this one person.”
“I met with the members of our patrol squads this morning and conveyed to them the seriousness of these actions and reminded them of the importance of being beyond reproach and that we in law enforcement are held to a higher standard which we accept when we pin the badge each and every morning,” Mascara said. “I ask the community we serve, do not take the actions of one bad apple and paint a broad brush against the 99.99% of the hero first responders who put on a uniform every day and dedicate their lives to protect and serve our communities.”
