No charges filed against Midway fire chief

The state attorney’s office recently elected not to file charges of indecent exposure against Midway Fire Chief Stephen Demeter.

Okaloosa County deputies arrested Demeter in connection with a June 21 incident in which a massage therapist at a day spa in Destin claimed he masturbated in front of her. The charge was a first degree misdemeanor.

Demeter told deputies that the masseuse had mistaken his attempt to scratch an itch for a sexual act.

“They felt they had probable cause,”  said Bill Bishop, supervisor of the state attorney’s office in Okaloosa County.  “But after we investigated, we have to prove beyond a reasonable doubt and there’s just insufficient evidence.”

Demeter issued a statement to the press, expressing his satisfaction with the state’s decision.

For more details on this story, see the Aug. 7 issue of Navarre Press or subscribe to our online edition.