Off-Duty Monroe County Deputy Arrested for DUI with Child in Car, Internal Probe Launched
An off-duty Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputy was arrested early Wednesday morning for allegedly driving under the influence while a young child was in his vehicle, prompting an internal investigation and raising concerns about accountability in the Florida Keys.
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An off-duty Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputy was arrested early Wednesday morning for allegedly driving under the influence while a young child was in his vehicle, prompting an internal investigation and raising concerns about accountability in the Florida Keys. Deputy Jesus Abdiel Rojas Burgos, 30, who joined the sheriff’s office in April 2023, was pulled over around 4:34 a.m. on October 15 near Mile Marker 22 in Cudjoe Key for speeding.
According to reports, another deputy initiated the stop after Rojas Burgos was seen driving at about 75 miles per hour in a 45 zone and nearly sideswiping a patrol cruiser. Rojas Burgos was in his private vehicle and appeared impaired. Deputies smelled alcohol and found a partially full bottle of Bacardi rum, a drink container, and a shot glass inside the car.
A child was secured in a car seat, and Rojas Burgos reportedly said he was “taking his child home.” He failed field sobriety tests and later registered a 0.06 percent blood alcohol level — below Florida’s 0.08 legal limit — but was still charged based on observed impairment. The Florida Department of Children and Families was notified, and the child was released to Rojas Burgos’s girlfriend. He was booked into the Monroe County jail, and an internal affairs investigation is underway.
His employment status remains pending its outcome. Sheriff Rick Ramsay addressed the case, saying he is committed to informing the public about both positive and negative incidents involving his department. This is not the first time Rojas Burgos has been arrested.
In March 2024, he was charged with misdemeanor battery in Key West after allegedly grabbing a woman at a Duval Street bar. That case no longer appears in Monroe County court records, and its resolution remains unclear. The incident occurred on U.S. 1 — a busy route through the Florida Keys used by both residents and tourists — highlighting ongoing concerns about impaired driving. The fact that the suspect was a deputy has intensified public scrutiny and raised questions about officer conduct and community trust. As the investigation continues, local residents await answers on possible disciplinary action and policy changes within the sheriff’s office.