A woman has accused Republican Party of Florida Chair Christian Ziegler of sexual battery. An investigation into the credibility of the accusation is ongoing, according to the Sarasota Police Department, which would not confirm many details.
The report was obtained by the Florida Center for Government Accountability. A story published by The Trident, a news section of the organization's website, alludes to rumors the accuser has been involved in a long-time tryst with Ziegler and his wife, Sarasota School Board member Bridget Ziegler. But the report does not name the accuser.
The Sarasota Police Department confirmed to Florida Politics an investigation into a matter involving Christian Ziegler is underway.
"The report you inquired about is still an active and ongoing investigation," said SPD spokesperson Cynthia McLaughlin.
The report does not appear to involve any incident with Bridget Ziegler.
Both Zieglers are powerful figures in Florida Politics. In addition to his work with the state party, Christian Ziegler has done consulting work across the country and boasts ties to Gov. Ron DeSantis and former President Donald Trump.
He was elected Chair of the Republican Party of Florida in February in what was seen as a win for Trump's campaign team over close DeSantis ally Evan Power, now the state party's Vice Chair.
Bridget Ziegler is a co-founder of the influential Moms For Liberty organization.
Both have voiced social conservative agendas and were supporters of Florida's controversial "Don't Say Gay" law and various limits on transgender rights. DeSantis appointed Bridget Ziegler to the high-profile Central Florida Tourism Oversight Board, the replacement for the Disney-controlled Reedy Creek Improvement District on the Walt Disney Resort property.
The Center for Government Accountability reports police have executed a warrant for Christian Ziegler's phone and are conducting a forensic investigation of the device.
It is unclear how long the investigation will continue or what details support the accusation of sexual battery.
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