On Friday, a Hillsborough County, Florida, fire lieutenant and his wife, a former state attorney’s office employee, appeared in court on charges of unlawful sex with a minor.
According to News Channel 8, in March, Riverview residents Sascha Engel, 39, and Alyssa Engel, 37, engaged in forced sexual acts with a 16-year-old boy. The juvenile spent the night at the couple’s residence, where Sascha Engel allegedly directed him to engage in various sexual activities with his wife while he observed.
The boy was known to the couple before the incident, but it is unclear how they knew him or why he was staying at their home.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office was informed of the incident on April 27 and began an investigation. On Thursday, their investigation led to the arrest of both defendants, according to Fox 13.
News Channel 8 reported that the case will be tried in Polk County due to Alyssa’s previous affiliation with Hillsborough County as a former employee of the State Attorney’s Office.
Effective May 24, Sascha Engel was placed on administrative leave with pay after the department received notice of a criminal investigation. A county official stated that he was subsequently placed on unpaid leave following his arrest.
“It is both disgusting and deeply disappointing to see not one, but two adults join together to take advantage of a young child, especially when one of those adults is a trusted authority in our community,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “This egregious violation of innocence is disgraceful and goes against every value we stand for in this community.”
During their court appearance on Friday, the court set bond at $50,000 per charge, totaling $300,000 for both Sascha and Alyssa Engel.
This is an active investigation. Check back with CrimeOnline for updates.
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[Feature Photo: Sascha and Alyssa Engel/Hillsborough SO]
