Flagler Deputy Fired For Drinking & Obscene Social Media Gesture

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Bunnell, FL - A Flagler County Sheriff's Office employee already on probation is now out of a job after he was caught drinking and making obscene gestures on social media.

Sheriff Rick Staly fired Detention Deputy Mark Sousa on May 16th, according to an FCSO press release sent last night. Sousa had until yesterday to appeal his termination.

FCSO Undersheriff Jack Bisland says Sousa was initially placed on probation after reporting to work at the county's detention facility while under the influence of alcohol.

"This is an unfortunate situation and I am extremely disappointed in his actions," Bisland added. "This employee was given a second chance by Sheriff Staly to turn his life around and it is truly a shame that he decided to throw his career away."

It was after the detention facility incident when Sousa was placed on 6 months' probation and suspended for 30 days without pay. He was also required to go to counseling and be subjected to random drug and alcohol tests.

The decision to fire him came after FCSO discovered a photo of him on social media drinking at a bar and making obscene gestures.

"We will not tolerate employees that chose to bring dishonor and discredit to the Sheriff’s Office or tarnish the badge," Bisland noted.

Investigators did not release the photo or describe the gesture in more detail.

Sousa had been employed at FCSO since November 2013.