Former Lee County deputy facing federal charges

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LEE COUNTY, Fla.,- A former Lee County deputy is indicted on federal charges. Michael Ronga is accused of driving a man to a dark street, punching him in the face, then stealing his phone and cash.

Ronga is accused of beating up and stealing cash and a cell phone from a 20-year-old man in Bonita Springs, and lying about it, while he was on duty. This happened back in May 2013.

WINK News talked to Ronga’s lawyer Monday afternoon who says his client is innocent until proven guilty.

The indictment states Ronga is being charged with violation of civil rights and obstruction of justice.

The victim says he accepted a ride home from Deputy Ronga, but says instead, Ronga drove to a remote location in Bonita Springs and attacked and robbed him.

His lawyer tells WINK News, Ronga agreed to turn himself in this morning. He is out on $50,000 bond.

If Ronga is convicted, he faces a maximum of 10 years in prison on the civil rights charge and 20 years for obstruction of justice.

Ronga was hired at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in 2008 and resigned after these accusations.

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