Hillsborough Co. deputy arrested for battery of a woman who lived with him: PCSO

MULBERRY, Fla. - A Hillsborough County deputy has been arrested for battery after reports of an altercation with a woman who lived with him, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

38-year-old Mark Verkest was taken into custody on Saturday at his home in Mulberry, Florida and is facing one count of Domestic Violence Battery.

Verkest was placed under a Baker Act based on statements he made.

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Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister says that this behavior is unacceptable for a person who is supposed to serve as a role model in the community.

"Deputies are entrusted with the responsibility to serve as role models in our community, and this behavior is completely unacceptable and disappointing," said Chronister. "I expect every HCSO deputy to hold themselves to the highest standards of conduct and integrity, both in their professional and personal lives."

Verkest is currently on unpaid administrative leave pending the results of the investigation.

He was hired by HCSO in September 2017.

The Polk County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident.

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