Kissimmee Deputy Arrested on Battery Charges
The Osceola County Sheriff's Office arrested Deputy Joseph Billittier following an investigation into his use of force.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Law Enforcement
Deputy Joseph Billittier faces battery and official misconduct charges after using force against a 67-year-old suspect. The Osceola County Sheriff's Office determined the deputy falsified claims that the suspect had battered him.
Why it matters
The investigation highlights oversight into deputy conduct, as supervisors flagged discrepancies between the officer's report and the treatment of the suspect. Authorities concluded the force used during the arrest was unnecessary, leading to charges of perjury and records falsification.
Deputy Joseph Billittier faces charges of battery on a person 65 years or older, official misconduct, perjury, and falsifying public records. The investigation remains active as authorities review the deputy's claims regarding the suspect.
The players
Joseph Billittier
He is an Osceola County Sheriff's deputy who was arrested following an internal investigation into his conduct during a DUI arrest.
Osceola County Sheriff's Office
This is the primary law enforcement agency for Osceola County that conducted the internal investigation and filed the charges against the deputy.
The details
During a DUI investigation on September 25, 2026, the deputy encountered a 67-year-old woman who had already sustained a broken clavicle in May 2026. Despite the suspect informing the deputy of her injury and the presence of her arm in a sling, the deputy used physical force while securing the handcuffed woman into his patrol car.
Timeline
May 2026: The suspect sustained a broken clavicle.
September 25, 2026: Deputy Billittier encountered the suspect during a DUI investigation.
Legal Context
The charges align with Florida statutes regarding the protection of seniors and the accountability of public officials for perjury. This case reflects a broader trend of increased internal oversight by local agencies to address allegations of misconduct and falsified police reports.
Residents may see increased scrutiny regarding the conduct of officers in the field as the sheriff's office addresses the findings of this investigation. The department has moved to ensure accountability for the actions taken by the deputy during the DUI stop at 1201 Simpson Road.
The takeaway
This case underscores the importance of body-worn cameras and internal reporting in validating interactions between deputies and the public. Residents are encouraged to report concerns about official misconduct directly to their local sheriff's office oversight division.
Further reading
Learn more about local public safety standards on the Law Enforcement page.
