BREVARD COUNTY, Florida – A Brevard County Sheriff’s agent remains in critical condition after being shot Thursday night in the unincorporated area of Cocoa, Florida.
The incident occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. on August 20, 2015 in the 1000 block of Covina Street in the unincorporated area of Cocoa, Florida. Agents were conducting a criminal investigation into prostitution activities and attempted to arrest 42-year-old Mary Ellyn Derosset at a residence in that area. The investigation was initially precipitated by citizen complaints concerning prostitution and investigators say that probable cause was established for the arrest of Mrs. Derosset.
But when deputies attempted to arrest Mrs. Derossett, 65-year-old John Franklin Derossett allegedly exited the residence and fired multiple shots at the deputies, several of which struck Agent John “Casey” Smith. Smith returned fire, striking Mr. Derossett.
Smith was critically wounded and transported a central Florida trauma center where he is in critical condition and has undergone several surgeries for his extensive injuries. His condition is still critical and unstable at this time.
Mr. Derossett was also transported to a local hospital for medical treatment where he is presently in stable condition. He has no local arrest history.
Meanwhile, Sheriff’s Office Homicide agents and Crime Scene Investigators remained on scene throughout Thursday night and Friday to process evidence.
Mrs. Derossett was later charged with Solicitation for Prostitution on Friday and transported to the Brevard County Jail on a $500.00 bond. Investigators say that she was arrested last month for the same offense and has a previous history of domestic violence, drug, and alcohol related offenses.
Smith has been employed with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office since August, 2009. He is currently assigned as an Investigative Agent in the Criminal Investigations Division. During his employment, he has been awarded with multiple letters of appreciation, commendable service awards, a deputy of the month, and a meritorious award.
Agents Peter Stead and Jason Roberts were also assisting in the incident and have been placed on paid Administrative Leave, which the Sheriff’s Office says is a routine practice in investigations of this nature.
Stead has been employed with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office since October, 2011. He is currently assigned as an Agent. During his employment he has been awarded with multiple letters of appreciation, commendable service awards, and a meritorious award.
Agent Jason Roberts has been employed with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office since December, 2009. He is currently assigned as an Agent. During his employment he has been awarded with multiple letters of appreciation, commendable service awards, a deputy of the month, and multiple meritorious awards.
The details surrounding the shooting remain under investigation. The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) will both conduct independent and parallel investigations relating to the use of deadly force. Upon conclusion of the investigations, the cases will be presented to the State Attorney for review.
“I couldn’t have been more proud of our team and community for the incredible support for Agent Smith and his family during this difficult time,” Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey stated. “Our BCFR partners were incredible as they did everything possible to provide Casey with a fighting chance! Our BCSO family has Casey in our thoughts and prayers and we ask that tonight you hold him in your prayers as well!!”
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to please call Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Homicide Agent Martin at 321-633-8409, or CRIMELINE at 1- 800-423-TIPS (8477), you can also visit http://crimeline.org/, or text ‘crimeline’ plus your tip to CRIME (274637). All information to CRIMELINE is confidential and you may be eligible for a reward. 
