A sheriff's deputy was arrested Sunday after beating up and stealing from a man in Bonita Springs, authorities said.

Michael J. Ronga, who was employed at the Lee County Sheriff's Office since 2008, has been placed on administrative leave without pay.

Ronga is believed to have responded to a disturbance at a local restaurant, and later offered the victim a ride home from the restaurant, authorities said.

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Instead of driving the victim home, Ronga drove to a nearby location where he committed the battery and robbery, Lee County Sheriff's Office said.

The victim ran away towards a wooded area, while Ronga drove away, according to the Lee County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators found evidence proving the victim’s story and arrested Ronga.

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“Words simply can’t express my disgust and disbelief. Mike Ronga has been arrested and jailed like a criminal should be and his betrayal of our office and the public trust is unforgivable,” Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott said in a statement. “Immediately upon learning of this, I ordered a full investigation as we would with anyone suspected of committing such a serious crime, and we will pursue prosecution and justice to the fullest.”

Ronga faces charges of robbery without firearm or weapon. It wasn’t immediately known if he had an attorney.



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