PORT CHARLOTTE, FLORIDA — A 60-year-old Florida man has been arrested after allegedly exposing himself and making inappropriate physical contact with an undercover deputy during a sting operation at a Charlotte County park, according to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO).
Undercover Operation Targets Lewd Activity at Park
Deputies with the CCSO Narcotics Unit were conducting an undercover sting at William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Park around 2 p.m. The operation was part of an effort to curb ongoing reports of lewd and lascivious behavior in the public area.
During the operation, an undercover deputy parked near the kayak launch ramp when he was approached by Steven Berkey, 60. Officials say Berkey stood very close to the deputy and began making inappropriate advances.
When asked if he visited the park often, Berkey reportedly replied, “Once in a while,” before proceeding to touch the deputy inappropriately and expose himself, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputy Called in Arrest Team After Confrontation
The deputy quickly stepped away from Berkey and alerted the undercover unit to move in. Berkey was arrested on-site without further incident…