An internal investigation into two Volusia County deputies found that the men had a number of sexual relationships with women in drug court.

  • Volusia Sheriff's Office investigation started in 2016
  • Report: Deputies exchanged info with women at courthouse
  • One deputy allegedly paid hundreds of dollars for sex

According to reports stemming from a Volusia County Sheriff's Office investigation that began in 2016 and was completed this past summer, Volusia deputies Jay Hawman and Bryan "Scott" Barnett would ask court personnel for incoming drug court participants' information, then exchange phone numbers or Facebook messages with the participants as soon as they began seeing them at the courthouse.

"You have women who are at their all-time emotional and psychological low, and I had deputies that in a position of power and trust use that so that they could gain sexual favors," Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood said.

Chitwood said at least four women came forward about the two deputies.

"Drug court is a vital tool in helping people put their past behind them and overcome their addiction," Chitwood said.

One deputy was accused of buying one of the women a cleansing drink to pass a drug test. The other allegedly paid one of the women hundreds of dollars for sex and would put snacks and cigarettes in the transport van.

In addition, one of the deputies was accused of paying off one of the women's drug court fines.

The Sheriff's Office determined that the deputies violated several rules, including associating with criminals, fictitious use of databases and resources and more. Each report said the deputies denied these relationships and claimed they were just helping the women.

The victims in each of the cases reported to investigators the sexual relationships were consensual. However, some of the women said they were told that if they told anyone about what was going on, "things wouldn't be good for them."

Both Hawman and Barnett are no longer with the agency. Barnett was allowed to resign in December 2016, while Hawman was fired in July 2017.

Chitwood called the former deputies' actions an abuse of law enforcement power.

"They do not need to be wearing a star on their chest," Chitwood said. "They shouldn't be carrying a badge."

However, Chitwood said the men would not face charges.

"I want to see that their licenses are revoked so they never become police officers again," Chitwood said.