LEE COUNTY, Fla. -- A former law enforcement officer with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office pled no contest to one count of Battery after an incident in February where a detained teenager was elbowed in the face.
According to the State Attorney's Office, Blake Grossi pled open to the court Wednesday. He pled no contest to one count of Battery. There was no plea agreement.
The incident happened on February 14, 2019 in Fort Myers. The teen had been in the back of a patrol car and had been sprayed by another deputy with pepper spray due to his behavior. He had been removed from the vehicle to have his face wiped off when Grossi walked up and struck him.
Grossi resigned from the department a week later.
Grossi was sentenced by Judge Devin George to 12 months of probation. He must also take anger management classes, have a mental health evaluation, and follow treatment. He must also complete 20 hours of community service per month and must speak at a police academy to new recruits at least two times regarding this incident.
He also must pay a $250 fine, court costs, and cost of prosecution. He must not have contact with the victim and Judge George reserved an order on restitution for any other potential costs associated with this crime.
