Florida GOP chair under investigation for sexual battery

Florida Republican Party Chairman Christian Ziegler faces a criminal investigation into alleged sexual battery and rape.

A complaint filed with the Sarasota Police Department claims a victim "had been sexually battered" on Oct. 2 of this year, but does not mention Ziegler's name or provide significant further details. Sarasota Police Department confirmed Ziegler was under investigation to NBC News. The episode allegedly occurred in Sarasota.

Ziegler attorney Derek Byrd was adamant that the investigation would not result in charges against the state party chair, telling NBC that "We acknowledge the reports that there is an investigation being conducted by the Sarasota Police Department regarding Mr. Ziegler."

"Mr. Ziegler has been fully cooperative with every request made by the Sarasota Police Department," he continued. "We are confident that once the police investigation is concluded that no charges will be filed and Mr. Ziegler will be completely exonerated."

"Unfortunately, public figures are often accused of acts that they did not commit whether it be for political purposes or financial gain. I would caution anyone to rush to judgment until the investigation is concluded," he went on.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.