PBSO Deputy gets probation for shooting into vehicle after sex act not completed...

**sflcop** · 08-03-06, 11:38 AM

Originally posted from PalmBeachPost.com

Originally Posted by Palm Beach Post

A former Palm Beach County sheriff's sergeant pleaded guilty in his best interest Wednesday to charges that he fired a shot into a car apparently occupied by a man he had paid for sex, then filed a false report about the event.

James Seigfreid, 48, was sentenced to three years probation — the first year under community control and wearing an ankle bracelet to monitor his movements. He also must surrender his law enforcement certification and undergo mental health and substance abuse evaluations and treatment during his probation.

"He's relieved the case is over with and he can get on with his life without the possibility of prison time," said Seigfreid's attorney, Scott Richardson. His client faced a minimum prison sentence of more than 19 months, and, Richardson said, a maximum of 16 years.

Seigfreid initially told police he shot Ira Joe Stuckey, 22, of Riviera Beach in the early morning hours of April 21 after Stuckey solicited sex, stole his badge and nearly ran him over. Seigfreid was off duty at the time.

Stuckey told a different story. He said Seigfreid paid him $40 to perform a sex act at 23rd Street and North Dixie Highway in West Palm Beach, but Stuckey returned to his car before it was over. Seigfreid then got out of his car and yelled at Stuckey to give him back his $40 or finish the act, an arrest report said. Stuckey did neither.

Seigfreid went after Stuckey, who saw him drop what turned out to be his police badge. Stuckey picked up the badge and asked for money to return it, a police report said. When Stuckey drove away, Seigfreid fired a shot from his.357-caliber revolver that went through the driver's side window and struck Stuckey's arm. He was treated at a hospital and released.

Seigfreid resigned from the sheriff's office in May after 23 years with the department.