The deputy’s ex-girlfriend received minor injuries during a dispute with him, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.

PINELLAS COUNTY – An off-duty deputy is facing criminal charges after an argument with his ex-girlfriend, according to the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.

John Farese, who has worked for the Pinellas sheriff’ since July 18, has been charged with one count each of domestic battery and tampering with a witness.

Deputies said they were called to a Palm Harbor residence about 9:52 p.m. Tuesday (Jan. 10) for a call about a domestic-related dispute. When deputies arrived, they said they found that Farese and his ex-girlfriend who had formerly lived together had argued. During the argument, deputies said, Farese grabbed her wrist during a struggle for her cell phone. The struggle caused her to fall.

Farese took the phone when his ex-girlfriend told him she intended to call 911 and report the incident, deputies said.

During the argument, the woman was holding their 22-month-old child, who was not injured. The ex-girlfriend received minor injuries to her knee and wrist, deputies said.

For information about the Pinellas sheriff, go to pcsoweb.com.

Pinellas Sheriff | Deputy Arrested | Domestic Violence | Arrests | TB Reporter

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