The upcoming episode of Taking the Stand on A&E will showcase the case against a Florida sheriff’s deputy named Zachary Wester. This episode titled “Zachary Wester” will air on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at 9 p.m. ET.
According to Direct TV, the synopsis of the upcoming Taking the Stand episode reads, “Following an investigation into his bodycam footage, Zachary Wester stands accused of planting drugs on unsuspecting citizens during traffic stops.”
According to AP News, Zachary Wester was accused of planting drugs inside drivers’ cars during traffic stops in 2021. Furthermore, the former deputy would even arrest them. Shortly before his suspension, internal affairs investigators discovered drugs hidden inside the accused’s patrol car in the summer of 2018. Body camera video also revealed him holding baggies full of drugs before searching cars that he would stop for minor driving infractions.
Reportedly, prosecutors had to drop 120 cases involving Wester. These cases happened between 2016 and 2018 and were all dismissed because Wester was accused of planting evidence. Prosecutor Tom Williams stated, “People voluntarily grant their government awesome powers they deem necessary for public safety and protection.” He further said, “With that great power comes great responsibility. The defendant made choices to violate that trust and committed crimes against those people he was sworn to protect.”
The court convicted him on 19 out of 67 counts, which included official misconduct, fabricating evidence, racketeering, false imprisonment, perjury, and more.
How long will Zachary Wester be in prison?
For his crimes, the court sentenced Zachary Wester to 12 years in prison in 2022. Tallahassee Democrat reported that the former deputy was initially imprisoned in Florida. However, he was then moved out of Florida over “concerns about his personal safety and security.” According to Florida Department of Corrections, Wester is currently in Colorado.
Interestingly, Wester’s wife, Rebecca, and several others begged Judge Goodman to go easy on her husband’s verdict, reported AP News. Rebecca said, “When that career ended, suddenly I watched a part of him and myself as well die. This blow is one that will not be overcome quickly, and honestly one we may never overcome.”
She ended her statement by saying, “The Zach that is in the court before you today is a mighty man of God. Has been greatly missed, but the place he has been missed the most is in our home.”
As per the outlet, in addition to his wife, more than 50 people sent letters to the judge citing their support for Wester.