Broward County deputy shoots, kills himself; was facing child sex charges

Author: Associated Press
Published: Updated:

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) – Authorities say a South Florida deputy facing 29 child sex-related charges died late Wednesday at Broward Health Medical Center after shooting himself.

The Broward Sheriff’s Office reports in a news release that 43-year-old Sgt. Kreg Costa was rushed to a Fort Lauderdale hospital Wednesday after sustaining a self-inflicted gunshot wound at his Sunrise home. Costa was arrested last week and was released on bail earlier Wednesday.

Investigators say staff at Costa’s office noticed he was staying in his office during the night shift with the lights off and his service belt removed. A check into Costa’s computer showed he was viewing websites dedicated to hardcore pornography, incest and bondage while at work.

Authorities say Costa also exchanged sexually explicit emails and videos with a 16-year-old girl.

Costa, a Broward County deputy since 1999, had been suspended with pay since April 24.

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