Sarasota deputy arrested, facing attempted murder charge

SARASOTA, Fla. (AP) – A Sarasota County Sheriff’s deputy tried to kill a woman he had been defrauding, authorities said.

Deputy Frankie Bybee, 46, had befriended the victim, a 79-year-old Sarasota woman, while responding to a service call in October, Sheriff Tom Knight told reporters Monday.

The woman entrusted Bybee with her dog and the deputy sold the dog through Craigslist, Knight said.

Bybee was placed on administrative leave earlier this month after the deputy’s fingerprint was found on checks totaling $65,000 that the victim said had been fraudulently signed, according to Knight.

Days later, Bybee attempted to kill the woman and make it look like a suicide, Knight said.

Bybee was held without bail on attempted murder and other charges. Jail records didn’t show whether he had an attorney.