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Manatee County deputy arrested on child abuse charges

 
Published Dec. 21, 2012

TAMPA — Hillsborough County Sheriff's deputies arrested a fellow law enforcement officer Friday on charges of child abuse.

The deputy, Richard E. Keefer, 24, worked for the Manatee County Sheriff's Department. Hillsborough deputies arrested him at his home in Hillsborough County after they investigated reports of abuse. Authorities said Keefer used a wire hanger to beat a 9-year-old on the back of the leg, causing bruising. Keefer also allegedly slapped the child across the face and left marks, deputies said. When the child went to school Friday, school officials noticed the bruises and called deputies. Detectives say the abuse took place on Wednesday.