Related video: The latest on the Madeline Soto investigation
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Florida prosecutor is calling for an investigation after a sheriff said a photo of a deceased person was accidentally posted to his social media account.
The State Attorney’s Office of the Ninth Judicial Circuit confirmed to 8 On Your Side Tuesday that it has asked the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to investigate Osceola County Sheriff Marcos Lopez for publishing “an investigative photo” online. However, a spokesman for the state attorney’s office said they could not confirm the contents of the photo nor could they comment on any active investigation.
The Orlando Sentinel, which received a copy of the photo, reported that it was a body lying under a mound of brush. The photo was posted on Lopez’ personal social media with photos of a senior citizen event he held.
The post came a day after Madeline Soto’s body was found in Osceola County.
According to NBC affiliate WESH, the sheriff’s Office sent a statement to local media apologizing for “any confusion or disturbance” for the post, saying “mistaken disclosures” were immediately corrected.
“On March 2, 2024, a post was made on social media about a community event for seniors. In the post, an investigative photo was accidentally included,” the sheriff’s office said.
8 On Your Side has also reached out to the OCSO for independent comment in light of the state attorney’s request.
We have also reached out for comment from the FDLE and are awaiting a statement from them on the investigation.
According to Florida state law, a photo or recording that shows the killing of a minor cannot be released without the consent of the parent or surviving family.
Violation of this law could result in a third-degree felony if it is done “willfully and knowingly,” the statute states.
