Newly released information shows more about what led to the resignations and firings of five Marion County deputies.
Documents obtained this week showed two of the deputies, who have pleaded guilty in federal court, admitted to standing by as their fellow deputies struck, kicked and kneed a drug suspect.
The incident happened almost a year ago, and surveillance video from a neighboring business was quickly shown to Sheriff Chris Blair, but the four resignations and one termination just came in the last few weeks.
Blair spoke Wednesday, defending his actions. He said he was letting the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and U.S. Attorney's Office investigations play out first.
"We have a right to protect our citizens out there," Blair said. "That's what we are going to do. Regardless of whether they are under arrest or not arrested, we will not tolerate that type of activity."
The sheriff went on to say the deputies had been suspended without pay the entire time, and he was the one who turned over the case to authorities.
The two deputies who pleaded guilty to not stopping the assault face up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The other cases are still pending. Video has not been released.