Ex-Florida GOP Chairman cleared of rape accusation, but police are seeking a different felony charge

Law enforcement officials cleared Republican Party chairman Christian Ziegler earlier this week of a rape accusation after a months-long investigation. 

Ziegler had some of his authority removed and his salary reduced after the allegations were made last October. He refused to resign at that time. 

He was ousted in a vote by Florida GOP officials, 199-3, earlier this month after Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and other top Florida GOP members called on him to resign.

According to the Sarasota Police Department, the encounter Ziegler had with the woman last October was "likely consensual.”

“Therefore, detectives were unable to develop probable cause to charge Ziegler with Sexual Battery,” authorities said, according to The Daily Wire.

However, police did say they are seeking an additional charge for Video Voyeurism against Ziegler based on a follow-up interview with the alleged victim.