Pam Bondi Names Law Enforcement Officer of the Year

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondinamed Master Deputy Tim Liberatore of the Marion County sheriffs office the attorney general's 2013 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year on Thursday.

In 2012, Deputy Liberatore was conducting a security check when he observed a vehicle with an expired tag that had pulled into a business. Liberatore made contact with the suspect and noticed a small amount of blood on his clothing. Liberatore became more suspicious of the suspect, and he was eventually able to convince the suspect to take him back to his residence.

While at the residence, Liberatore began questioning the juveniles at the residence, as well as neighbors nearby. Liberatore's interview revealed that at least one of the juveniles had been sexually assaulted by the suspect. Deputy Liberatore received a full confession from the suspect, which revealed that the abuse had been occurring for years.

The suspect was later sentenced to more than two life terms in prison.

Deputy Liberatore was joined by eight other officers from around the Sunshine State at a ceremony recognizing them for their "dedication to law enforcement and public safety," according to a release from Bondi's office.

All of the nominees deserve recognition for their commitment to protecting others and selflessly serving their communities, said Bondi. It is an honor to name Master Deputy Tim Liberatore the 2013 Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Thanks to Master Deputy Liberatores dedication, a juvenile was saved from heartbreaking abuse.