FORT MYERS, FLORIDA
U.S. District Judge Sheri Polster Chappell on Wednesday sentenced Michael J. Ronga, 44, Cape Coral to six years in federal prison for deprivation of civil rights under color of law and obstruction of justice, according to officials.
A federal jury convicted Ronga on Sept. 1.
According to evidence presented during the six-day trial, on May 5, 2013, Ronga, a deputy with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, provided a courtesy transport to victim Rodolfo Lopez Castaneda, and Ronga subsequently assaulted R.L.C., causing bodily injury.
He also robbed the victim of his cash and cellphone. Castaneda reported the assault and robbery to the Sheriff’s Office, and an investigation ensued. During the course of the investigation, Ronga lied to law enforcement about his interaction with the victim.