Sumter County

Former Central Florida police chief accused of sexually battering girl, 14

William Pruitt The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office said William Pruitt, the former Center Hill police chief, was arrested on Friday. (Sumter County Sheriff's Office)

SUMTER COUNTY, Fla. — A former Central Florida police chief is accused of sexually battering a 14-year-old girl while utilizing a deadly weapon.

The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office said William Pruitt, the former Center Hill police chief, was arrested on Friday.

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Deputies said they were advised by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office on Monday that a sexual battery had occurred in Sumter County.

Deputies said enough evidence was collected to issue a warrant for Pruitt on Wednesday.

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On Friday, deputies said the U.S. Marshals Service Florida/Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force, with the assistance of the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office, arrested Pruitt in Live Oak without incident.

Stay tuned to Channel 9 Eyewitness News for updates.

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Sarah Wilson

Sarah Wilson, WFTV.com

Sarah Wilson joined WFTV Channel 9 in 2018 as a digital producer after working as an award-winning newspaper reporter for nearly a decade in various communities across Central Florida.

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