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More Info Released In Case Of Deputies Arrested For Sexual Assault
March 9, 2015
This story has been updated. Click here.
UPDATE: At a Monday morning press conference, Sheriff David Morgan said the two deputies charged in this case — Mark Gene Smith and Walter Michael Thomas, Jr. — are now on unpaid leave.
He acknowledged that suspect Leah Manning was formerly employed by the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office as a nurse. Authorities are currently search through more than 100,o00 images and videos on the Mannings’ computer for any possible evidence.
As of Monday morning, the Mannings are believed to have left Florida and remain at large.
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Two Escambia County deputies have been arrested for sexual offenses with subjects under the age 18, and authorities are seeking two additional suspects.
Escambia County Sheriff’s Office Senior Deputy Mark Gene Smith was arrested and charged with felony sexual assault and misdemeanor battery. Deputy Walter Michael Thomas, Jr., was arrested and charged with felony sexual assault. Both are being held without bond and have been placed on administrative leave from the ECSO.
Smith was hired March 14, 2005, and had served on patrol since October 7, 2005. Thomas was hired April 6, 2009, and had served on patrol since September 2, 2009.
Investigators are also looking for Douglas Albert Manning, 47, and Leah Giannotti Manning, 40, (pictured top) on outstanding warrants for sexual battery and child neglect. They were last seen in the area of 2000 Berg Street and are known to drive a 2013 Red Chevrolet Camaro with Florida tag M596YZ.
Anyone with information on their whereabouts is asked to call 911, (850) 436-9620 or Crime Stoppers at (850) 433-STOP.
The investigation is being conducted in conjunction with the State Attorney’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office said the investigation is ongoing and no further details will be released at this time. Sheriff David Morgan plans to release more information on the case during a press conference on Monday.
Pictured: Authorities are searching for Douglas Albert Manning and Leah Giannotti Manning. Submitted photo for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.
Comments
58 Responses to “More Info Released In Case Of Deputies Arrested For Sexual Assault”
All deputy’s not bad peoples you just have pick bad one out good one mark bad one hard trust any cop now those day there
Still few good deputy’s out there
Other inmates don’t like child molesters. Rough road ahead in prison. That’s what they deserve though.
@ Rod Pumas–Point well taken. Thank you for the correction. But as Paul Harvey would have said–now the rest of the story. TERRI Sanders has a good number of cases listed also.
@Molino Jim
What a difference one letter in a name makes.
The OP spells her name Terri not Terry.
Think that you were looking at the wrong person’s court records.
As detective Friday used to say “Just the facts maam”
@ Terry Sanders: You are part of the problem if you know crooked cops and just stand by and do nothing. Report them, they have a system in place where you can stay anonymous and report it over the phone. No excuses.
@ Terry Sanders: there sure are a lot of “Terry Sanders” in the court files. Is this the reason you know so many cops—crooked or other wise?
@terri sanders. Maybe you should hangout with better folks. Cops or not
As a law enforcement official, I am very disappointed with these two people. I agree, they just make all of us look like criminals because the general public doesn’t keep score on our positive impact to the community. Secondly, let the court system work this out. Surprisingly enough, the judicial system works pretty well although its not perfect. Keep the local agencies in your prayers, a lot of good/honest men and women put a badge on everyday to protect this community.
@ Terri Sanders – if you have information on misconduct and/or wrongdoing, you have a responsibility to report it. Call the State Attorney’s office and report what you know. We can’t just sit back and let crooked people take over.
The problem with not showing their mugshots is there may be other victims that would be willing to come forward if they saw these pictures.
It is a matter of public safety in a case like this for their mugshots to be shown and public safety is what these officers were sworn to uphold.
No one is above the law and it used to be that LEO’s were to be looked up to and trusted….They were held to a higher standard along with preachers…now it is just a free for all…I know more crooked cops than honest ones..
WOW I’VE KNOWN BOTH HALF MY LIFE THIS IS CRAZY I GUESS YOU NEVER REALLY KNOW SOMEONE!
People really shouldn’t say “I thought that person would never do that.” Most of the time, & a wrist isn’t made without very good evidence. (personal experience)
I say let the justice system handle this. I am not defending these deputies in any way, I just think, if found guilty, they should be treated like john q. citizen, which I am sure will happen if they are guilty. Lets let them have their day in court…We are all quick to judge. If they did do as it says they are accused of, then I think they should get punished……But let’s not accuse, try and hang them before all the facts come out. For the children they may have abused, my prayers are with these kids……
Jeeperman:
The deputies that “investigated” me when my ex wife called on me did a good job. They ended up taking her to jail after she hit herself in the face, skimmed up her knees and called 911 saying I had a knife and was beating her up. They saw right through her story and I just sat on my couch thinking “thank goodness.”
Maybe my experience is not the same? I had two deputies that looked like 19 year old kids lol but they ended up taking her.
Wow, lot’s of defense for the deputies. Jeeperman is spot on.
To all of you defending the deputies and saying wait for them to be found guilty, to hold judgement, i’d say you should’ve done the same for the janitor.
I feel the same way, they just don’t go and arrest LEO on a simple allegation! They had to have WAY more to arrest these deputy’s!!! We have Sick people in all walks of life..
Wow !! This is very sad !! Is there ever anything good that comes on the news anymore? It’s either someone killing others or its someone messing with kids !! I don’t understand what goes through the minds of these kind of people! ! If there guilty they are some sick individuals for sure and should be punished to the fullest extent of the law for there crimes !! I have children and grandchildren I can only imagine what those family or families are going through! ! Prayers for all involved! !
I know one of the accused.. I find it very hard to believe that they would do something like this. We should not judge prior to hearing the facts. This country is based on you are innocent until proven guilty. I believe this is all made up and time will show that. Please pray for the families of all parties.
Some of you people think these allegations and arrests might be a mistake after it is investigated??
I will never be convinced that LEO are first arrested THEN investigated.
Simple civilians? YES that is the way it goes.
But LEO are given special privileges and a thorough investigation is done BEFORE they are arrested. Because their fellow LEO really really hate arresting their own for no good reason. Or just because someone said the did some thing.
So in my mind it is clear that the investigation conducted BEFORE they were arrested turned up some very hard evidence.
Keep your head in the sand if you like, but I see it as it really is.
@ Kane–you may wish to get a refresher course on “how the law work”. Think back to the shooting where two witnesses said they were kidnapped and then changed their minds. Add to this the cases where a young person (most times a girl) reports they were touched inappropriately and the person is arrested. Later it is found to be false. There is an old saying in law circles- a good SA can get an inditement on a brick. I hope this is not true because of the many good LEO who will have to put up with this story. Also no where in this report say what the age of the “victim” was–just under the age of 18. If the “victim” was 17 it was still wrong if the story is true– but not a young child.
If the allegations are true, it is a very sad day for law enforcement and rescue workers. To forego their reputations and integrity for the pleasure of sexual satisfaction with preteen girls is beyond explanation. A law enforcement officer should always place himself/herself in front of the citizens. They are the first line of defense against the criminal element that preys daily on society. They are the ones, along with other first responders, that run into the face of danger to help and save the citizens. When they give up their reputations to join the ranks of the criminal element, they should be dealt with accordingly. I know a majority of the men and women at the Sheriff’s Office and believe them to be honorable people, dedicated to the protection of Escambia’s citizen’s. I ask everyone, please do not judge the others by the sick actions of a few. As we all know, there are rotten apples in every profession and life, from a citizen on the street, to the White House. Let’s pray that all those involved in this most recent sordid affair are found and put away. As for posting the deputies pictures, they are protected by law for now but later, if convicted they might be publically identified or David Morgan might put them out when he gets back into town. We can still believe and rely on our deputies and rescue personnel to be there for us. For those who know Doug and Leah, please think about where they might be and contact the Sheriff’s Office as soon as possible. Any clue can help.
Does anybody else think that maybe Gov. Scott or the State Attorney General should step in and appoint a special prosecutor to investigate and pursue this case? That way we can avoid even a whiff of any possible home cooking coming from Mr. Eddins or Sheriff Morgans offices.
“CIN” They do deserve everything that is about to happen to them, Not at liberty to go into detail, The public will hear about it on Monday, ,and in her words of our sheriff THIS IS A HUM DINGER
It’s interesting that some folks are defending the accused. Of course they have not had their day in court. We should use some restraint on judging them guilty before then.
What is curious is that they bypassed several other arrest stories that were posted earlier. What makes this one different?
Is it their occupation? Middle class vs poor? Is it the nature of the crime? Is it racial? Maybe you know one of the accused?
Not true no way!
I know both Thomas & Smith they are both nice ppl & great officers I don’t believe any of this!!!
>>>>I cant believe mr.morgan would protect them.show there picture and let people know who they are.
It’s not Sheriff Morgan’s decision. It is a statewide law That protects the mugshots.
Putting them on leave wow.why should they get paid? anoher county mistake.Ithey were a regular person they would have pictures posted of them just like the doctor that was sicko about children The judge protected him so whos protecting the cops? I cant believe mr.morgan would protect them.show there picture and let people know who they are.
Please keep these family members in your prayers, they will need everyone to pray for them, you will never understand what they are going thru, they did not ask for this.
This is one sick bunch of people. I just hope that whomever is investigating this digs in and finds all the sickos that are involved. I lived in this neighborhood before moving to Bratt, and this house had a revolving door for deputys (both male and female) years ago. What’s the old proverb? Birds of a feather flock together. This also brings to mind another question; Who do you call when a cop is suspected of any wrongdoing?
I think we need to dispel some myths;
* There is only one kind of Administrative Leave and that is with pay, the other is deemed a suspension and that is without pay. A Deputy is put on administrative leave while a criminal investigation is on-going. Once the criminal portion of the investigation is over, then the Internal Investigation begins and at it’s conclusion, then the type of discipline will be administered. Based on past experiences of deputies accused of criminal activity, even if acquitted, there is a strong likelihood that they will not be employed with their agency. This occurs for all deputies accused of committing a crime and is standard for the majority of the agencies in the United States.
* Florida Law prohibits the publishing of photographs and home addresses for law enforcement officers.
* Not every person who commits a sexual battery is arrested immediately. Every case/situation is investigated and based on the evidence, if there is enough probable cause to conduct an arrest, then one is done. Just because someone makes an accusation about a crime of this magnitude doesn’t automatically warrant an arrest. The State Attorney’s Office has been involved with this case since the very beginning and the evidence collected was submitted to a Judge through a warrant affidavit. The Judge felt there was enough probable cause and issued a warrant.
It’s a shame that 2 people have been accused of disrespecting and tarnishing the badge with a very serious crime. Many men and women have worked very hard to earn their badge and the respect of the community. I know it is human nature to associate all cops now but I must ask that you don’t. If you as a citizen feel betrayed, how do you think those who have worked with these two deputies feel? I’m very proud of what I do for my community. Some may not appreciate it but the majority of our citizens do and we will put our life on the line to protect you, trust me we will!!! I know I will do my best to keep my head high and my badge shiny but we are citizens as you are and we feel more betrayed, shamed and embarrassed than you really know.
Takes all kinds.
True of any organization.
@Amy….They do not arrest people for simply “having allegations” against them. They only arrest individuals that they have EVIDENCE AGAINST. If people were arrested for simply being accused of something I would accuse you of ignorance and definitely have you arrested. If your going to live in this country you should have at least a basic understanding of the legal system.
It truly is a sad day for first responders
I hope that the justice system will do thier job, as someone else said no one has been convicted as yet , everyone has a right to a trial let the legal system do the job they are suppose to do. In my opinion if found guilty they need to get the sentence they deserve I have no sympathy for anyone that will hurt a child. Share this story so these other two can be found as well and get the justice they deserve. In the meantime keep all the victims and all the families involved in your prayers , they will need it
If you are not guilty then why run???? An as for the two cowards that these two kids were suppose to be able to go to an trust to go an do something like this to them to violate them you all are very sick individuals. Then for the other two not to protect them I hope when each an everyone of you have your day in court an justice is served an these childerens voices are heard may you meet someone to violate you just as you did these poor innocent kids.You sick individuals.Praying for these kids.
Let the fasts and system work. If they are innocent, they should not be punished. The same for all of us. If they are guilty, be punished accordingly like the guilty.
This is 2 LEO’s out of plenty. I know a few and they are good hard working people.
Hope this is not true.
No mugshots And they’re being protected while in jail..
cops, judges, politicians and child molesters should ALL be put in general population when they commit crimes..
You people seem to already have judged the deputies. Your ignorance is what’s wrong with this country. Learn facts before you post. Anytime there are allegations of sexual assault or battery of a minor, it doesn’t matter if the story is made up or true. Everyone is arrested when your in a position of authority until you see a judge. The allegations have not even been proven to be true. Let the investigation happen and the finds come to light then speak your mind. What if all this was made up against the deputies. I have seen many careers ruined in the Army
For false sexual reports filed that ended up being false. But people judge before they know the truth. So keep your comments to yourselves until the investigation is done and the truth comes out. I wouldn’t want any of you guilty before knowing the facts people sitting on my jury. No one stands a chance at a fair trial with your opinions. Such a sad life you people lead judging before the facts come out!
So…these people are all interconnected? Were they running a pedophile ring?
>>>I second the “lets see their mugshots” they are not above all others.
In fact, since they are deputies, they must be guilty to have been arrested.
Mugshots of law enforcement and their family members are not public record under Florida law. We can’t obtain the mugshots in order to post them.
Wow…I trained with her…..to be an EMT…she seemed like a cool person…
I second the “lets see their mugshots” they are not above all others.
In fact, since they are deputies, they must be guilty to have been arrested.
The blue/green shield is not let down for iffy suspicions.
Everyone knows there are two types of administrative leave, paid and unpaid. They are not telling you which kind of administrative leave because it is no ones business. The only part that matters is that they have not been letting them work. But if they let them work while investigating you would complain about that too
As a deputy sheriff i am beyond disappointed in these two. We must hold ourselves to a higher standard. We must lead the community by example and be pillars of society. If found guilty they should be punished according to the same standards we hold everyone else to. To try to explain why they are on admin leave. Until the criminal proceedings are finished and if they are found guility they will be terminated from employment, if not guilty, they still have a chance (however slim) at keeping their jobs. I hope the courts do their jobs and do it well.
Who are the people in the photograph??
We MUST remember that deputies are just people and like some preachers, teachers, you name it, they are individually subject to temptation to sin. Please, let’s keep our ECSO and other “first responders” in our prayers and not demean the many because of the sins of the few.
Most recently employed at an ambulance company in Okaloosa Co. They have not been employed at an ambulance company in Santa Rosa in the past 5 years
Make that Medics for Okalossa County not Lifeguard Ambulance. They have been gone for many years from Santa Rosa County.
Where is the mugshots
My comments were about the Mannings who have not been arrested yet. As far as the Deputies who are currently seeing the other side of the bars, May justice be swift, and painful.
@ECSO Deputy
not just those of you that follow the law but are entrusted to enforce.
Both used to be volunteer firefighters with the Brent Volunteer Fire Dept, and more recently Paramedics with an ambulance company in Santa Rosa County. Hopefully they will be arrested soon, and if convicted, given jail justice.
“Both are being held without bond and have been place on administrative leave from the ECSO.’
Just what does this mean?
Held in jail?
Usually on “administrative leave” is code for forced to not work, but are still being paid.
So are these two being held in jail and being paid too???
So sad. Now you see why its hard for anyone to even trust even law enforcement. I am sorry. If they are guilty they need to pay just like everyone else. I do not think they should be getting paid. Maybe that would make alot of the bad apples think before they do anything wrong. Sorry just my opinion. I pray for everyone in this case.
Two more bad apples going to ruin it for the rest of us that follow the law.
Everyone please share this in b order to catch these people the victims are friends of family please share