SARASOTA, Fla. (WFLA) —8 On Your Side has obtained new audio from the Christian Ziegler investigation. In the recordings, we hear the state GOP chairman’s reaction, when he is confronted by investigators about the sexual battery allegations that led to his eventual resignation.
The interviews reveal that Christian Ziegler suspected from the beginning the allegations could harm his political career.
Police have released recorded calls between Ziegler and the woman who accuses him of rape.
“Why have you always forced me to have sex with you when I never wanted to?” said the woman while on a call with Ziegler.
“I have never done that,” said Ziegler.
Days after the former Florida GOP chairman’s wife, Bridget Ziegler’s audio recordings of her interview with police became public, now Christian’s audio has also been released.
“This will be a national story,” he said in an interview with detectives.” “Not necessarily because of the details, but even just the report.”
Sarasota police detectives interviewed Ziegler at his home in November about a complaint made against him.
“So I’m more sensitive about the PR side, the political side, than I am about the facts. Okay?” he told police.
After 13 minutes into this interview, Ziegler then asks the nature of the allegation.
“It’s sexual battery,” said Detective Cox.
In another recorded call between Ziegler and the woman, he asks if she needs anything and if she’s struggling financially.
“Just acknowledge that you’ve taken advantage of me all these years,” she said while on the phone.
“I’m not going to acknowledge that because that’s not the case,” Ziegler responded.
Ultimately, Sarasota police decided not to charge Ziegler with sexual battery.
Ziegler’s attorney sent 8 on your side this statement: “After a very thorough investigation, law enforcement concluded that there is no probable cause, a very low standard, that Mr. Ziegler perpetrated a sexual assault on the accuser. It has been difficult to stay quiet knowing Mr. Ziegler was innocent, but we did so in order for law enforcement to conduct its due diligence.”
Sarasota police say Christian Ziegler allegedly recorded the sexual encounter that’s in question on his cell phone. It prompted a probable cause affidavit to be sent to the State Attorney’s Office. They will decide if Ziegler will face a video voyeurism charge.
