Former Florida Republican Party Chair Cleared of Rape Allegations, Faces Video Voyeurism Charges

Sarasota, FL - The ousted chair of the Florida Republican Party, Christian Ziegler, has been cleared of rape allegations by the police, but now faces potential charges of illegally video recording a sexual encounter. The Sarasota Police Department released a statement on Friday, stating that a review of a cellphone video made by Ziegler showed that the encounter was "likely consensual," making it impossible to charge him with rape. However, the woman involved in the encounter told investigators that she never consented to be recorded and was unaware that it had occurred.

As a result, the police have turned their findings over to the office of Sarasota County State Attorney Ed Brodsky, recommending that Ziegler be charged with video voyeurism, a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison. Brodsky has stated that his prosecutors will thoroughly examine the evidence and recommendation, and will also review the decision not to charge Ziegler with rape or sexual assault.

Ziegler's attorney, Derek Byrd, released a statement expressing confidence in his client's exoneration from the "baseless allegations." Byrd emphasized Ziegler's full cooperation with law enforcement throughout the investigation, and expressed disappointment in the police department's decision to pass the remaining portion of the case to the State Attorney's office. Byrd firmly believes that Ziegler will not be prosecuted for any crime.

Ziegler, 40, had previously admitted to having consensual sex with the woman, blaming political opponents for sensationalizing the matter. Court records revealed that Ziegler's wife, Bridget Ziegler, confirmed that the three individuals had engaged in sex over a year ago. However, Bridget Ziegler backed out of the planned encounter, while her husband proceeded to the accuser's apartment alone.

Bridget Ziegler is a prominent conservative who co-founded the Moms for Liberty organization and serves as an elected member of the Sarasota County school board. She was also appointed by Governor Ron DeSantis to the board overseeing Walt Disney World's land development. It is worth noting that DeSantis disbanded a Disney-controlled board last year after the company opposed his bill limiting sex education in schools.

The Republican Party of Florida ousted Ziegler earlier this month as the police investigated the rape accusation against him. Several Republican leaders, including Senators Marco Rubio and Rick Scott, had called for Ziegler's resignation. It remains uncertain what the conclusion of the rape investigation will mean for Ziegler's future with the state Republican Party. Evan Power has already been chosen to replace Ziegler as the vice chair of the state GOP.

The investigation into the rape allegations involved the search for evidence, including emails, photos, videos, contacts, and other information from Ziegler's cellphone and Google account. The woman involved in the case claimed that she and Ziegler had known each other for over 20 years. She agreed to have sex with Ziegler and his wife but changed her mind when she was told that Ziegler's wife would not be present. The woman alleges that Ziegler pushed her inside her apartment and raped her.

Security footage from the apartment complex showed Ziegler entering and leaving the building. The woman's sister confirmed that the woman called her and disclosed the rape. The woman reported the incident two days later. In late October, after Ziegler attempted to contact the woman, police monitored their phone and text message conversations. Ziegler insisted that they were friends and suggested meeting in person, but the woman expressed fear and refused.

During a phone call, the woman confronted Ziegler about the sexual assault allegations. Ziegler denied the accusations, claiming that the encounter was consensual and that she had invited him in. He even offered her financial help before becoming suspicious that their calls were being recorded. During a November 2 interview with detectives, Ziegler, accompanied by his attorney, admitted to the consensual sex and recording the encounter. He initially deleted the video but later recovered and uploaded it to Google.

While the police have recommended video voyeurism charges against Ziegler, the Sarasota County State Attorney's Office has not yet filed those charges. Prosecutors have not provided any immediate comment on the matter. Ziegler's removal from his position as the Florida Republican Party chair came after the sexual assault allegations surfaced in November. He was suspended in December and subsequently voted out earlier this month.