The investigation involves Carlos Periu,
40, who has been with BSO for 10 years. The child has used graphic details to
describe the acts which she says he committed. The child is the daughter of
another BSO deputy and the two families have been close friends for years,
South Florida Times has learned.
The case is being investigated by
detectives from the sex crimes division of the Coral Springs Police Department.
Police are not releasing details and this
newspaper is not publishing the names of the child and her parents.
“The investigation has not been completed
and I am not able to discuss any details at this time,” David Kirkland, public
information officer for the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Unit of the Coral
Springs Police Department, said in an email to South Florida Times.
Periu’s family had invited the girl’s
family over for a visit during the Thanksgiving holiday and that was when the
incident allegedly occurred.
The child later told her mother in explicit
terms about a “secret” involving “Uncle Carlos.” Her parents contacted police
and took the child to Broward County’s Sexual Assault Treatment Center for a
forensic examination that included questioning by investigators.
The results of the examination are not
known but Coral Springs police informed BSO of their investigation. Even though
BSO is not involved and the case is not related to Periu’s work, the agency
placed him on administrative leave on Dec. 19.
Periu’s patrol car was seized and its doors
and trunk were sealed with bright red “evidence” tape before being taken to a
garage for examination.
In addition to his work as a sheriff’s
deputy, Periu owns CCC Entertainment, a company that provides music,
photography, video, bounce houses and other entertainment services at parties,
weddings, and other functions. His company has worked at BSO events.
Jim Lejedal, BSO’s director of media
relations, said he was not familiar with Periu’s company and was not sure what,
if any, impact his suspension would have on any future relationship with the
sheriff’s office.
BSO hired Periu in 2001 and he works in the
Pompano Beach district, earning $69,908 annually.
As a general rule, BSO employees are
prohibited from discussing pending investigations and co-workers were reluctant
to speak about the allegations. But some described Periu as friendly and
incapable of doing what he is accused of.
It is unclear when the investigation will
be completed or if the case has been presented to prosecutors. Officials at the
Broward State Attorney’s Office declined comment when contacted. Coral Springs
police say they are unable to provide any timetable.
“I am curious, however, as to how you
learned about the case,” Kirkland, the Coral Springs police spokesman, said. “As
soon as I am able to release any information, I will let you know.”
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