
DeLand woman booked for aggravated battery following wooded area search
By Katherine Langford
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An Osceola County deputy was arrested Tuesday after investigators said he used unnecessary force against a 67-year-old woman during a DUI arrest and falsely claimed she battered him.Deputy Joseph Billittier faces charges of battery on a person 65 or older, official misconduct, perjury in an official proceeding and falsifying a public or court record, according to the Sheriff’s Office.Sheriff Christopher Blackmon said Billittier has been relieved of duty pending formal termination proceedings.Supervisors raised concerns after reviewing videoThe investigation stems from a Sept. 25 traffic stop near Simpson Road in Kissimmee.According to the Sheriff’s Office, a motorist called 911 after seeing a Toyota Corolla traveling the wrong way on Royal Palm Road. The Corolla eventually stopped in the median on Simpson Road, where the caller removed its keys.Billittier responded and conducted a DUI investigation. Deputies arrested the 67-year-old driver and handcuffed her in front.The woman told dep