Former LCSO deputy sentenced to 6 years in prison

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FORT MYERS, Fla.- A former Lee County deputy was sentenced to six years in prison on Wednesday for beating up and robbing a man while on the job, then lying about it.

Michael Ronga, 43, was found guilty of civil rights violations and obstruction of justice back in September. He originally faced up to 12 years in prison.

Ronga made an emotional statement in court, fighting through tears as he spoke about the incident in May 2013.

“Not a day goes by that I don’t feel regret, sorrow and a lot of shame about what happened,” said Ronga.

Prosecutors say Ronga was on duty and called to break up a disturbance at a Bonita Springs bar. They say he offered the victim a ride home, but instead took him to an empty parking lot where he robbed the man and beat him up.

Ronga was fired from the Lee County Sheriff’s Office soon after.

In court, Ronga said he had no ill will toward the victim, Rodolfo Castenada, and said he made a poor choice.

 

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