A Monroe County sheriff’s deputy in Florida, Jennifer Ketcham, has been arrested for allegedly using law enforcement databases to assist her 19-year-old boyfriend, who is suspected of being a drug dealer, in evading authorities. Ketcham, who was hired by the agency in June 2021, is facing 19 computer crime charges for sharing information about law enforcement activities and traffic stops with her boyfriend.
The investigation into Ketcham’s alleged misconduct began in June after a fellow deputy, who was a close friend, reported her to internal affairs. Evidence of Ketcham’s relationship with her boyfriend, along with WhatsApp messages indicating her knowledge of his drug dealing activities, was presented to detectives. The investigation revealed that Ketcham had used the law enforcement databases at least 19 times to search for information related to her boyfriend and his associates.
During an interview with detectives, Ketcham claimed that she had no solid evidence of her boyfriend’s involvement in criminal activities. However, text messages between Ketcham and her boyfriend, totaling over 11,000 pages, allegedly showed that she had warned him about police presence in his area on multiple occasions. She even alerted him about an upcoming raid at Big Coppitt Key on September 6, 2023.
In response to questions about whether she had advised other deputies to avoid areas where her boyfriend was operating, Ketcham stated that she had done so in a joking manner and had no authority to prevent patrols in specific locations. Despite being placed on administrative leave without pay and having her bond set at $1.9 million, Ketcham has not yet been formally charged.
Local prosecutors are reviewing Ketcham’s case, and it remains unclear whether she has legal representation. As of now, her boyfriend has not faced any charges related to the alleged drug dealing activities. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed Ketcham’s status and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation into her actions.
