Fla. deputy charged with sexual battery

SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla. (WALA) - A long-time Santa Rosa County deputy is behind bars on more than 100 counts of child sexual battery charges. Wednesday, Lieutenant Mitch Tomlinson appeared before a judge, and FOX10 News was there.

Lieutenant Mitch Tomlinson has worked with the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office for more than 20 years. He spent a lot of time in charge of court security. Wednesday, he was the one in an orange jumpsuit facing a judge. He's charged with 120 counts of sexual battery to a child. It's not only a surprise to the sheriff's office but to many people in the community.

"It's a surprise, you never know what goes on behind closed doors, even at the courthouse," resident Jill Barnhill said.

Tomlinson's first appearance was supposed to be at the Santa Rosa County Courthouse, but it got moved to the jail. The state attorney's office said because he was head of security there. A judge from Walton County was brought in to handle the case.

"The judges were familiar with him, it would not be appropriate for them to sit as a fair judge in the matter. They'd rather have it heard by someone who has had no contact with him," State Attorney Bill Eddins said.

We found out Tomlinson was in custody of the child. The state attorneys office said the alleged abuse went on for about two and a half years. The child recently contacted law enforcement indirectly and the case has moved quickly in the past few days.

"This case will be vigorously processed. It's true in all professions that you find people that don't follow the law, don't follow the rules. Law enforcement in Northwest Florida is very professional, they are good quality officers. I know I talked to several of them, they indicated that they were very disappointed in this situation, as I am." said Eddins.

Tomlinson is seeking an attorney, so his first appearance was rescheduled until Thursday. He's being moved from Santa Rosa County to the Walton County Jail.

The Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office was shocked to hear about the allegations as well.

"If these allegations are true I will be very disappointed in Lt. Tomlinson’s behavior. However, if he’s found guilty he should be punished like any other person that commits this type of crime," Sheriff Wendall Hall said.