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

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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