PASCO COUNTY, Fla. – A 10-year veteran of the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office is behind bars after an investigation into a domestic dispute in Port Richey. Dayton Thomas, 35, a Hillsborough County Deputy assigned to the Department of Patrol Services, was arrested by the Pasco Sheriff’s Office on March 24, 2026.
The arrest follows a 911 call reporting an altercation at approximately 11:41 p.m. According to investigators in Pasco County, the incident escalated into physical violence, resulting in serious injuries to the victim. The victim was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment.
Thomas has been charged with Domestic Aggravated Battery involving Serious Injuries.
RELATED: Hillsborough County Deputy Arrested Following Domestic Violence Arrest In St. Petersburg
“This type of behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “No one is above the law, and when a member of this Sheriff’s Office violates it, they will be held fully accountable. Our community deserves better, and we will not compromise the standards we are sworn to uphold.”
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Thomas has been suspended without pay.
This administrative action remains pending the final outcome of both the criminal case and an internal administrative investigation.
The investigation into the incident’s specific details remains active.
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