Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco described a recently fired deputy as a "monster" and "POS" following his arrest on charges of sexually abusing a child. Corporal Donald Valverde, 37, was terminated from the Pasco County Sheriff's Office on Friday afternoon after a young victim came forward with allegations.
Sheriff Nocco stated at a press conference that the alleged abuse occurred over an extended period and involved a child known to Valverde through a custodial relationship. "As a parent, you hear what this c–t did, and you just want to beat the crap out of him," Nocco said, his voice filled with emotion. "Valverde is a POS. There is no other way around to say it."
Valverde, who had been with the sheriff's office since 2015, faces charges including two counts of lewd and lascivious molestation, one a life felony, and one count of unlawful sexual activity involving a minor. The latter charge is punishable by life in prison.
Nocco commended the victim for their bravery in coming forward, calling it "incredible" to stand up against someone he referred to as a "monster." He emphasized that Valverde is now in jail and cannot harm others, though Nocco acknowledged the "devastating" damage already inflicted.
The sheriff noted that Valverde, who had recently been promoted to corporal, had been investigated for possible domestic situations in the past but those incidents did not lead to his termination or arrest. "Valverde was not the stellar deputy you would want," Nocco said, adding that while Valverde was known to be a liability, legal protections had prevented earlier disciplinary action. The sheriff's office stated they were unaware of any previous allegations against Valverde involving children before this incident.
The Pasco County Sheriff's Office confirmed the victim is safe and receiving support, and that there are no other known victims at this time. The investigation is ongoing.