Two Brevard County Sheriff's Office deputies have been dismissed from duty after investigators said they were customers of a local prostitute.

Sheriff Wayne Ivey says they were customers of a woman whom his office arrested last month during a sting - one that erupted in gunfire, critically injuring Deputy Casey Smith.

Due to the fact that the investigation is ongoing, the names of the two now-former deputies will not be released.  One deputy is 29 and has been with BCSO for 22 months and the other deputy is 59 with 14 years of service.

‘The conduct of these two employees is criminal and their actions as a representation of our agency is disgusting," Sheriff Ivey said. "I am extremely proud of the nearly 1,500 members of our agency who work around the clock to protect our citizens and the actions of these two individuals sickens me."

The investigation into the deputies began when the sheriff's office was called to arrest 42-year-old Mary Ellyn Derossett at a home in Port Saint John on Aug. 20 on charges of prostitution.

During the attempted arrest, Mary Derossett's uncle, 65-year-old John Franklin Derossett, opened fire on the deputies, critically wounding Smith, officials said.

Smith, who was shot several times, returned fire, shooting Derossett.

Smith remains hospitalized. Derossett was released from the hospital last month and charged with three counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer. He is being held without bail.

Mary Derossett is charged with solicitation for prostitution.

Ivey said they discovered the names of the BCSO deputies as they tried to figure out why Derossett shot Smith. Ivey said they found piles of evidence, including texts, phone records, and ledgers, which then led them to believe two of their own were her customers.

After further investigation, detectives confronted the deputies about the relationship with Derossett.

"I can tell you that both of them have openly admitted to it," said Ivey.

Ivey said they are continuing to investigate the Derossetts. He said they hope deputies don't have to arrest any more of their co-workers.

"My hope is that there isn't anyone else of any significance involved in this," he said.

Ivey said he is angry that these two disrespected their office and their positions in such a way.

"I'm absolutely disgusted by these two people who took the oath of office and violated their oath and quiet frankly did everything they could to embarrass themselves and the office that we serve," he said.

Ivey says once the investigation is complete, he will recommend that the two employees be prosecuted and their law enforcement certifications be revoked.

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