Manatee EMS deputy chief charged with lewd conduct, released from employment

A now-former deputy chief with Manatee County Emergency Services was arrested on child-sex charges in connection with an investigation conducted by federal authorities elsewhere in Florida, the Manatee Sheriff’s Office said.

Zachary Molnar, 46 of Bradenton, was arrested July 16 and charged with lewd and lascivious conduct. Court records on his case have yet to be made public. A first appearance was scheduled Friday morning and an arraignment in late August.

The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office said the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Florida field office alerted local authorities to its investigation of another suspect and a possible local connection based on a search of a phone.

“During an examination of that suspect’s device, investigators discovered several images and videos of an adult male engaging in lewd acts with a child,’’ the Manatee Sheriff’s Office said Friday in a news release. “Subsequent investigation led the FBI to identify the adult male in the footage as 46-year-old Zachary Molnar, Deputy Chief with Manatee County EMS.’’

Through a spokesman, the Sheriff’s Office said detectives also found evidence indicating that the abuse appears to have been ongoing for several years.

Molnar held the title of deputy chief/operations for Manatee County EMS, though in a statement said he no longer is employed by Manatee.

"Manatee County Public Safety is aware of the arrest involving former EMS Deputy Chief Zachary Molnar. He is no longer employed by Manatee County Government,'' the county said through its communications department. "Because this is an active investigation, the County cannot comment further on the matter. Questions regarding the criminal case should be directed to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office."

The investigation is ongoing to determine if additional charges will be filed.