HARDEE COUNTY, Fla. — The Hardee County Sheriff's Office announced on Wednesday the termination of one of its deputies after videos revealed him engaging in "concerning behavior" while off duty.
The videos depicted the treatment of animals in 29-year-old Nicholas Zotto's care as owner of Pawsome Sitters, LLC in Manatee County.
On Thursday, Zotto was charged with animal cruelty, classified as a first-degree misdemeanor, stemming from the videos.
Zotto started with the agency in April 2022.
