A Monroe County Sheriff’s deputy has found himself on the wrong side of the law after being arrested early Wednesday morning on charges of driving under the influence (DUI) and child neglect. Authorities say the off-duty deputy was driving drunk with a young child in his vehicle — marking his second arrest in less than two years.
The Arrest: A Dangerous Encounter on U.S. 1
According to an arrest report from the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO), Deputy Jesus Abdiel Rojas Burgos, 30, was pulled over around 1 a.m. on U.S. 1 in Cudjoe Key after nearly sideswiping a patrol vehicle.
The report states that Rojas Burgos was driving a Nissan Kicks SUV at approximately 75 mph in a 45 mph zone when he passed a fellow deputy. The on-duty officer immediately initiated a traffic stop — and what followed revealed a troubling situation.
The deputy who pulled him over said he “instantly smelled alcohol” when approaching the vehicle.
“In plain view on the front passenger seat, I observed a partially full bottle of Bacardi rum,” the arresting deputy wrote in the report. “I asked Jesus if the bottle belonged to him, and he stated, ‘It’s inside the car,’ sarcastically.”
As the officer spoke with Rojas Burgos, he noticed a young child secured in a car seat in the back of the vehicle. The deputy said Rojas Burgos told him he was “on his way to take his child home.”
Contradictory Statements and Failed Sobriety Tests
Rojas Burgos initially admitted to having “a couple of drinks, but a while ago.” However, moments later, he denied drinking at all that night. Deputies said his behavior and the odor of alcohol made it clear that he was impaired.
Field sobriety tests were administered, which he reportedly failed. Deputies then took him into custody on suspicion of DUI and child neglect.
Evidence Found Inside the Vehicle
A search of the SUV revealed several open containers of alcohol:
- A half-full bottle of Bacardi Black Rum on the front passenger seat
- A purple Beat Box beverage container in the passenger door cupholder
- A blue shot glass containing a liquid consistent with rum in the center console
Even more concerning, deputies found Rojas Burgos’s service weapon stored in the driver-side door compartment — a serious breach of safety protocols, especially while allegedly intoxicated and transporting a child.
Breathalyzer Results and Legal Implications
After being taken to the Monroe County Jail, Rojas Burgos submitted to a breathalyzer test, which indicated a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.06% — below Florida’s legal limit of 0.08%.
However, under Florida law, drivers can still be charged with DUI if their normal faculties are impaired, regardless of their BAC level. The National College for DUI Defense notes that impairment, not just blood alcohol content, determines DUI culpability in the state.
The deputy’s erratic driving, open alcohol containers, and failed sobriety tests were enough evidence for arresting officers to proceed with DUI charges.
Child Welfare and Immediate Response
Deputies immediately notified the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) regarding the child’s welfare. The agency responded, and the child was released into the care of Rojas Burgos’s girlfriend at the scene.
Authorities emphasized that ensuring the safety of the child was their top priority during the arrest.
A Troubling History: Previous Arrest in 2024
This was not Deputy Rojas Burgos’s first encounter with the law. Records show that in March 2024, he was arrested in Key West and charged with misdemeanor battery after allegedly assaulting a woman at a Duval Street bar.
Court documents for that case are no longer available in Monroe County records, leaving unclear how it was resolved. However, MCSO officials confirmed that Rojas Burgos joined the department in 2023, meaning his first arrest came less than a year into his tenure.
Sheriff’s Response: Transparency and Accountability
Monroe County Sheriff Rick Ramsay addressed the situation directly, releasing a statement to the public shortly after news of the arrest broke.
“I am committed to the public hearing about significant incidents in the Sheriff’s Office — both positive and negative — from me first,” Ramsay said.
He emphasized the department’s dedication to transparency, even when one of their own is involved. Ramsay’s statement suggests that MCSO intends to hold all personnel to the same standards of accountability as the general public.
A Department Under Scrutiny
Incidents like this raise questions about the pressures and accountability systems within law enforcement agencies. While police officers are often expected to uphold the highest ethical and professional standards, cases such as Rojas Burgos’s highlight the human side of law enforcement — including the potential for lapses in judgment.
The MCSO has not yet released details on any internal disciplinary measures, but it is standard practice for deputies facing criminal charges to be placed on administrative leave pending investigation.
DUI Laws and Consequences in Florida
Under Florida law, a first-time DUI conviction can result in:
- Up to six months in jail
- Fines between $500 and $1,000
- License suspension
- Mandatory community service
- Installation of an ignition interlock device
However, DUI with a minor in the vehicle is considered an aggravated offense, carrying harsher penalties including higher fines, longer license suspensions, and potential child neglect charges.
Given that Rojas Burgos was an active-duty law enforcement officer at the time of the incident, the court may treat the matter with additional gravity.
Public Trust and the Path Forward
For the residents of Monroe County, incidents like this can shake public confidence in the very agencies designed to protect them. Yet, Sheriff Ramsay’s openness about the case and the department’s swift action could help reinforce that no one is above the law, even within law enforcement.
The case remains under investigation as authorities review all evidence and await potential updates from the Department of Children and Families.
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