Blake Grossi pled open to the court today. The former law enforcement officer with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office pled no contest to one count of Battery. The defendant chose to plea to the court and agreed to be sentenced by the Judge. There was no plea agreement in this case.
On February 14, 2019 in Fort Myers, Grossi, then a deputy, elbowed a teenager in the face while the teen was detained. The teen had been in the back of a patrol car and had been sprayed by another deputy with pepper spray due to his behavior. He had been removed from the vehicle to have his face wiped off when Grossi walked up and struck him.
Grossi was sentenced by Judge Devin George to 12 months of probation. He must also take anger management classes, have a mental health evaluation, and follow treatment. He must also complete 20 hours of community service per month and must speak at a police academy to new recruits at least two times regarding this incident. He also must pay a $250 fine, court costs, and cost of prosecution. He must not have contact with the victim and Judge George reserved an order on restitution for any other potential costs associated with this crime.
Lee County Court Chief Stephanie Russell and Lee County Court Assistant Chief Jennifer Royal prosecuted the case.
Samantha Syoen
Communications Director
State Attorney’s Office
ssyoen@sao20.org
239-533-1125