Orange County deputy accused of calling detective to obtain information about carjacking, kidnapping

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — An Orange County deputy was arrested Sunday in Seminole County, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office said Monday.

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Investigators said they arrested Orange County Deputy Francisco Estrella on the following charges:

• Interception of wire, oral or electronic communication

• Disclosure of wire, oral or electronic communication

• Disclosure or use of confidential criminal justice information

• Unlawful use of a two-way communication device

• Accessing computer or electronic devices without authorization or exceeding authorization

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Seminole County Sheriff Dennis Lemma told Channel 9 on Monday that Estrella’s arrest was in relation to his seeking of information about the investigation into an armed carjacking, kidnapping and killing last week. Click here to read more about that.

He said Estrella called the Seminole County detective assigned to the case to try to obtain information about the investigation.

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Estrella used a fake name and claimed he was an Orange County detective and as well as a cousin of the victim, Lemma said.

“It creates a dangerous environment for our deputies and our staff,” he said.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said Estrella -- who was hired in September 2022 -- has been relieved of duty without pay while a criminal case is underway.

The agency said it will conduct an administrative investigation once criminal proceedings are complete. Its results will be publicly released.

“These are very serious criminal allegations,” Orange County Sheriff John Mina said in a prepared statement. “It is completely unacceptable for any law enforcement officer to misuse the power and authority of their job. At the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, we hold our deputies to the highest ethical standards, and we will not tolerate anyone breaking the law within our ranks.”

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