Sheriff's Office ends investigation of deputy

By Times Staff Writer
Published January 12, 2006

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BROOKSVILLE - The Hernando County Sheriff's Office has closed its investigation of sheriff's Deputy Daniel Spiese with a finding that an allegation of conduct unbecoming of an officer was "not sustained."

Spiese was arrested June 24 on a charge of attempted arson. Spiese was acquitted by a criminal court on Dec. 8. His wife, Constance Spiese, who is also an employee of the Sheriff's Office, said that he intentionally left a propane tank turned on at their home after a domestic dispute.

The sheriff's internal affairs investigation wrapped up Wednesday. A "not sustained" finding is declared when an investigation "discloses insufficient evidence to clearly prove or disprove the allegations," according to Sheriff's Office guidelines.