Podcast Summary: Law Enforcement Talk: True Crime and Trauma Stories
Episode: Florida Deputy Arrested, Was It Fair?
Host: John "Jay" Wiley
Guest: David Er
Date: August 27, 2025
Episode Overview
This episode explores the story of David Er, a former Marion County, Florida Sheriff's Deputy who was fired, arrested, and charged following an on-duty incident – only for all charges to be dropped later. Hosted by retired Baltimore Police Sergeant John "Jay" Wiley, the episode delves into David’s journey from union crane operator to law enforcement, the circumstances of his arrest, the nuances of probable cause and departmental politics, the trauma of being falsely accused, and how he and his wife are moving forward. The episode also highlights David's charitable work supporting wounded officers through his pizza business, Rustic Dough Works.
Key Discussion Points and Insights
1. David’s Police Background and Motivation
[03:49–07:09]
- David was not a sworn police officer in New Jersey but a volunteer doing crowd control alongside a long career as a crane operator.
- Law enforcement runs in his family: "[My] grandmother was one of the first police officers in New Jersey... My dad was a cop, other family members too. My son is now a police officer." (David, [12:56])
- Chose to enter the Florida police academy at age 45, after moving south for his wife's medical schooling:
“I always wanted to serve, and I've always wanted to do good for the public... but I just couldn't afford to do it before.” (David, [13:59])
2. Entering Law Enforcement Late in Life
[07:04–08:43, 11:08–12:19]
- Attended Santa Fe Community College police academy at 45—a 770-hour course run by local agencies.
“It was great, very professional... I finished at a 96 and was actually second in my class.” (David, [08:04])
- Notes the differences in police training between New Jersey and Florida, including being able to “self-sponsor” at 18 in Florida:
"We had two classmates who graduated but couldn't buy ammo yet because they weren't 21." (David, [12:18])
3. The Challenge of Changing Careers
[09:28–11:10]
- Describes the decision to switch from a high-paying union job to law enforcement out of a lifelong passion, not financial motive.
4. Training and Public Misconceptions about Police
[13:59–17:56]
- Debunks the notion that police lack education or ongoing training.
- Calls for greater public understanding and accountability, especially regarding prosecutors:
"There has to be some accountability [for prosecutors], and they have zero. Once you hear my story, you'll hear what I'm saying." (David, [14:41])
5. The Incident: Suspicious Vehicle Stop and Arrest
[22:14–25:31]
- David recounts the call which led to his arrest:
- Responded alone to a suspicious vehicle in a driveway, found a female (who appeared under the influence), called for backup.
- Discovered a syringe near the vehicle and another uncapped needle on her person.
- Woman claimed to have a law enforcement family; later, at jail, more drugs found concealed after she finally admitted carrying contraband.
- Charges made for introducing contraband; all caught on body camera.
6. Internal Investigation, Arrest, and Charges
[25:31–34:53]
- The next day, David is warned by a supervisor:
"It's gonna get real political for you, son. You might want to think about how to get that dropped." (Anonymous Sergeant, [25:31])
- Undergoes unusual Internal Affairs investigation, led by a road sergeant rather than the IA department.
- Placed on administrative leave, not represented by the Sheriff's Association as the issue was deemed criminal.
- Charges hinge on alleged discrepancies (e.g., location of needle written in report vs. on body cam), described as “semantics.”
- Arrested and required to do two “perp walks,” once for misdemeanors and again for felonies after refusal to take a plea deal.
7. Prosecutorial Overreach and Political Influence
[31:23–36:59]
- David’s attorney maintained there was no criminal case: “He looked at the allegations and said, 'It doesn't make any sense.'”
- DA initially refused to review bodycam evidence:
“She goes, ‘I don't have to. I'm going by what the police report says from the IA.’” (David, [32:46])
- The possible influence of politics: The arrestee’s family deeply connected in local law enforcement and running for office:
"Her mother was running for sheriff, and her dad was... a major over there." (David, [35:21])
8. Resolution and Aftermath
[36:59–39:44]
- Four years of litigation and over $200,000 in legal costs; DA drops charges if David surrenders his police license.
- DA later sends an improper letter to FDLE, complicating David’s efforts to regain his license; on the Brady List though never convicted.
"The FDLE is the only agency that can tell me I can't be a police officer... Not Assistant District Attorney." (David, [39:08])
9. Life Rebuilt: Rustic Dough Works and Giving Back
[39:44–40:40]
- Unable to work during the investigation, David starts a pizza trailer business:
“Why don’t I open a food truck? I can cook and make some money." (David, [40:07])
- Partners with The Wounded Blue, donating $1 per pizza, aiming to raise $10,000 in 2025 for wounded officers.
- Affirms ongoing legal fights and a commitment to move forward despite trauma.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
On the toll of accusation:
“When you got charges pending over your head, you can't find a job, right? I couldn't even Uber, Lyft. I couldn't do anything.” (David, [39:44])
-
On public understanding:
“The public needs to get educated on what we actually do... When we do talk about it, the only thing they talk about is what we did wrong." (David, [14:41])
-
On prosecutorial accountability:
“Prosecutors need to be held to a different account... They have zero accountability. They have full immunity.” (David, [14:41])
-
On training and real-world skills:
"If you can handle being a bartender or a waiter... then you can be an officer." (David, [17:56])
-
On the impact of internal politics:
"He told me, ‘It's gonna get real political for you, son. You might want to think about how to get that dropped.’" (Sergeant to David, [25:31])
-
On the significance of the experience:
"It took four years of litigation over $200,000, and they finally...if he just voluntarily turns his license in, I'll drop all the charges." (David, [37:12])
Timestamps for Important Segments
| Timestamp | Topic/Segment | |------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 03:49–07:09 | David’s law enforcement background and family influence | | 11:08–12:19 | Entering the police academy at 45, differences in state training | | 14:41 | Thoughts on prosecutor accountability and public perception | | 22:14–25:31 | The arrest incident—details from initial encounter to jail intake | | 25:31–29:44 | Internal Affairs, accusations of false statements, and administrative leave | | 31:23–36:59 | Legal representation and prosecutorial decisions, politics and overreach | | 37:12 | Resolution: DA drops charges if David relinquishes license | | 39:44 | Transitioning to the pizza business and charitable initiatives |
Flow and Tone
The conversation is candid, empathetic, and occasionally lighthearted (especially during initial banter about pizza and Jersey nostalgia), but becomes seriously reflective when discussing the professional and personal trauma endured by David. Both host and guest maintain a measured, direct, and often frank tone, especially in addressing issues of departmental loyalty, prosecutorial conduct, and the ripple effects on families and careers.
Additional Resources
- Rustic Dough Works (Facebook): For David’s pizza business and The Wounded Blue fundraiser
- The Wounded Blue: thewoundedblue.org – Support for injured and traumatized law enforcement officers
- Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show: letradio.com
This episode offers a rare first-person look at the complexities, politics, and emotional impact that can follow law enforcement officers accused of wrongdoing—compounded by ambiguous departmental support and prosecutorial motivations, with a hopeful note about community, charity, and personal resilience.