An Osceola County sheriff’s deputy who has investigated numerous domestic violence cases has been arrested in Orange County on allegations that he assaulted his longtime partner and prevented her from contacting law enforcement.
Elias Ramirez III, 34, was arrested early Thursday on charges of domestic violence battery and obstructing justice by hindering a witness from communicating with law enforcement, according to an Orange County arrest affidavit.
Ramirez has worked for the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office since March 2024 and has been placed on administrative leave following his arrest, according to the agency.
The affidavit states Ramirez and the woman had been in a relationship and living together for about eight years. They share a 2-year-old child.
Orange County deputies responded to a gas station early Thursday after the woman went there to contact law enforcement because Ramirez had allegedly taken her personal and work cell phones. She told investigators that she and Ramirez had argued at their home after he woke her and raised concerns about whether she could take their child to St. Augustine.
The woman alleged the argument became physical after she told Ramirez she had evidence of prior domestic violence on her phone and intended to take him to court.
According to the affidavit, Ramirez took possession of both phones, pushed and shoved the woman and prevented her from leaving the home. She also alleged he covered her mouth while she cried out, causing her to struggle to breathe.
Investigators documented multiple abrasions, bruising and swelling on the woman’s body, according to the affidavit. Photographs of her injuries were collected as evidence.
The woman told investigators she did not wish to pursue criminal charges or testify in court. Under Florida law, however, an officer’s decision to make an arrest based on probable cause in a domestic violence case does not require a victim’s consent.
A domestic violence lethality assessment classified the woman as being in a potentially lethal situation based on her responses, according to the affidavit. She was provided information about seeking an injunction and other victim services.
Orange County deputies later went to the couple’s home, where Ramirez came outside and was taken into custody. He was transported to an Orange County Sheriff’s Office substation for questioning and later booked into the Orange County Jail. A report detailing his interview is not being released as the investigation is ongoing.
The arresting deputy concluded there was probable cause to believe Ramirez committed domestic-violence battery and obstructed the woman’s access to law enforcement by taking and retaining her cellphones. The Florida Department of Children and Families was notified because the couple’s young child was present during the incident, according to the affidavit.
