Santa Rosa deputy arrested on child abuse charges

A Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office deputy was arrested Friday and charged with one count of third-degree felony child abuse.

According to the arrest report, Santa Rosa County deputies responded to a complaint involving Joshua White, a 31-year old SRSO deputy, amid concerns of a child abuse incident. According to the complaint, White grabbed a 4-year-old child “by the neck and banged the child’s head on a hard surface multiple times with enough force to leave bruising on the child’s forehead.”

As supervisors reviewed the case, it was determined there was sufficient probable cause to arrest the suspect on charges of child abuse.

He was arrested and taken to the Santa Rosa County Jail, where he was placed on $5,000 bond.

The suspect was relieved of all law enforcement duties and was placed on administrative leave as per Sheriff’s Office procedures. An internal investigation will also ensue after criminal charges are concluded. The suspension from duty will remain in effect until a complete and thorough administrative review in completed.