Pinellas Co. deputy caught picking up prostitute

Published On: Feb 19 2013 09:35:26 AM EST   Updated On: Feb 19 2013 09:50:26 AM EST
CLEARWATER, Fla. -

A Pinellas County Sheriff's deputy resigned after he was caught picking up a prostitute.

Deputy Robert Johnson resigned Monday after an internal investigation found that he lied to detectives. Johnson denied picking up a prostitute after Clearwater police saw him on September 12, 2012.

The investigation also showed that Johnson violated policy by leaving work early and telling his ex-wife that she was being investigated for doctor shopping.

None of the incidents resulted in criminal charges. Sheriff's officials say Johnson's actions damaged his integrity and could have compromised a criminal investigation.

Johnson told police that he was giving the prostitute a ride home after seeing her running like she was trying to get away from someone.

  • Copyright 2013 by News4Jax.com. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.