A Polk County deputy was arrested on Saturday for sending racy messages to a teenager.

The Bartow Police Department arrested Mark Hicks, 40, on Saturday after they got a tip on Thursday about a man sending lewd images and messages to a 17-year-old girl.



Bartow detectives said the girl had visited Hicks’ residence earlier this month. The 17-year-old told detectives Hicks had kissed and fondled her over her clothes without her consent.



Later that day deputies said Hicks used a cell phone to send lewd messages to the girl and asked her to send him “a pic of herself.”

Investigators said Hicks admitted to kissing and hugging a 17-year-old girl without her permission.

Hicks resigned from the force.

Deputies said he tried to hang himself in his cell, but officers found him and were able to revive him.

Hicks is facing several charges including using a computer to solicit minor to commit lewd act, exposing a minor to harmful material, tampering evidence, and battery.



Hicks was transported to the Polk County Jail. He is currently being held in the Crisis Stabilization Unit.



Hicks was arrested in 2004 for a misdemeanor contempt of court, violation of injunction charge resulting from a child custody dispute.

