A Lee County deputy is on administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation because of what he's "shared" on Facebook.
Some people believe the posts are racially charged, while others said they are just political satire. One depicts an African American looting.
"That's saying all black people are looting, all black people are X-Y-Z, and that's not right," concerned Lee County Resident W. Earl Sparrow, Jr. said.
Lee County Deputy Chuck Quackenbush, an 11-year veteran of the Sheriff's Office, shared the posts on his Facebook page.
"We don't need any deputies to have any ill feelings toward any minority, or any group of people. How can we trust his judgment?" Sparrow said.
One post showed a black man holding a sign reading "No mother should have to fear for her son's life every time he robs a store." Quackenbush shared this on his Facebook, saying "Always thought this was hysterical!"
Quackenbush's friend Michael Dreikorn said he's an honorable deputy, and the posts are just political satire.
"He likes to engage in political discussion. If people are upset, or feel that they're hurt by that, I say you've got to put your big boy pants on and go into the reality of life," Dreikorn said.
The Lee County Sheriff's Office placed Quackenbush on administrative leave. Sheriff Mike Scott said "I will act swiftly in this matter. As has been my practice with other egregious examples...I have a zero tolerance policy for this nonsense."
Dreikorn said the attacks aren't just against Chuck Quackenbush. Chuck's wife, Chris Quackenbush, is a runoff candidate for a School Board seat.
"The opposition may be taking shots," Dreikorn said.
In an email, Chris Quackenbush agreed, and said: "These people have forced the Sheriff to take action so he looks good for the election. He can't be seen as supporting someone these people claim is racist, especially after being attacked for the same."
She also said her husband will likely lose his job.
"It's in his best interest and everybody else's best interest to find a different career," Sparrow said.
While Quackenbush is on leave, he is stripped of his gun, badge, and patrol car.
