A Pinellas County Jail deputy has been fired after she allegedly slapped a female inmate and later lied about it.
Sheriff's officials said Deputy Elizabeth Kretzer was supervising breakfast in December when an inmate reached for an extra tray. Kretzer denied the inmate's request.
The Tampa Bay Times reports the deputy and the inmate argued before Kretzer stepped away. When she turned her back, the inmate allegedly raised her middle finger.
Officials said Kretzer grabbed the inmate's sweatshirt, causing her to stumble into the deputy. Kretzer then allegedly slapped the inmate on the side of her head and later lied during a follow-up investigation.
Officials said witness testimony and an audio recording from the housing unit contradicted Kretzer's story.
Kretzer was fired Friday. She may also face criminal charges.