Manatee County EMS Deputy Chief Arrested in Child Sexual Abuse Investigation
A deputy chief with Manatee County Emergency Services has been arrested after investigators identified him in videos allegedly showing the sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.
Zachary Molnar, 46, who served as deputy chief of operations and EMS shift commander, was arrested following an investigation involving the FBI and the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office’s Internet Crimes Against Children Unit.
According to investigators, the FBI contacted the ICAC Unit on July 16 regarding a separate child sexual abuse material investigation. While reviewing evidence in that case, investigators discovered several images and videos depicting a man engaging in lewd acts with a child.
Authorities said the FBI subsequently identified the man in the videos as Molnar. Detectives then executed a search warrant at his residence and confirmed he was the individual depicted in the recordings.
Investigators interviewed the child, who reported that the abuse occurred within the past several months. Detectives also uncovered evidence indicating the abuse may have been ongoing for several years, according to the sheriff’s office.
Molnar was arrested and charged with one count of lewd and lascivious conduct involving a child under the age of 14.
The investigation remains active, and the sheriff’s office said additional charges may be filed as detectives continue to review evidence.
