Victim says deputy stalked her while on duty

PUNTA GORDA, Fla.- A Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office deputy has been fired and is under arrest, accused of misconduct and lying under oath.

Investigators say 31-year-old Eric Ireland used police data bases and his position to prey on women.

The sheriff’s office confirms there are two alleged victims. One of the victims, who Ireland admits to having sexual relations with, claims Ireland planted drugs in her husband’s car.

Charlotte County authorities first got word of Ireland allegedly harassing a woman in July. During the same time, another woman came forward, claiming a similar incident happened to her.

The second victim says Ireland told the Fort Myers Police Department her husband was involved with drugs and he was subsequently arrested.

Investigators say Ireland showed up during that man’s arrest. A detective described seeing Ireland “circling around the traffic stop and laughing in what was described as a childlike manner.”

“Through the investigation, we found a lot of behavior that was very suspect and very similiar to the first investigation where he was using various law enforcement databases and authority and power to seek out women,” said Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell.

The charges against the victim’s husband were eventually dropped.

In court documents filed Wednesday, one of the victims formally accuses Ireland of stalking her while on duty.

“When I had ask(ed) Ireland to cut all ties Ireland would sit outside my place of employment on duty for hours a day,” she wrote in her statement.

She also wrote Ireland would drive around her neighborhood while she wasn’t home.

“Ireland would pull over anyone I knew and he pulled over a friend because he knew I was in the car… I don’t trust Ireland and what he will do,” she wrote.

The document says Ireland and the victim have a hearing scheduled September 22.