Former Monroe County Deputy Pleads No Contest in 40-Count Computer Misuse Case
Former deputy Jennifer Ketcham pleaded no contest Wednesday to 40 felony counts. Her attorney seeks a lighter sentence ahead of her Nov. 24 sentencing before Judge Sharon Hamilton
Former Monroe County Sheriff’s Office deputy Jennifer Ketcham, 41, changed her plea to no contest Wednesday before County Judge Sharon Hamilton, admitting to 40 felony counts accusing her of illegally using law-enforcement databases and communications devices to leak confidential information to a suspected drug dealer.
The plea covers multiple third-degree felonies, including:
Unlawful use of computers, systems, networks, or electronic devices (F.S. 815.06);
Misuse of public office (F.S. 838.021); and
Unlawful use of a two-way communication device (F.S. 934.215).
According to the Statement of Plea, signed by Ketcham and her attorney Dustin S. Hunter of Robertson & Hunter LLP, she entered the plea “freely and voluntarily,” acknowledging full understanding of her rights and the consequences. Judge Hamilton found Ketcham competent, accepted the plea, and scheduled sentencing for later this month.
Under Florida’s sentencing guidelines, Ketcham faces a minimum of 37 months in state prison, with a potential maximum of five years per count.
However, a motion for downward departure filed Nov. 4 cites medical and psychological grounds under Florida Statute 921.0026(2)(d). The motion includes findings from Dr. Xingjia Cui, MD, MPH, MS, a licensed psychiatrist in New York, and Kathryn Cady, LMSW, of Renew Hope and Healing, both of whom diagnosed Ketcham with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and recommended community-based treatment.
The defense argues that Ketcham’s PTSD qualifies her for a reduced sentence and that she has made “substantial progress” through weekly therapy. These reports are expected to support her attorney’s request that Judge Sharon Hamilton impose a sentence below the statutory minimum at the Nov. 24 sentencing hearing in Plantation Key.
The case has seen multiple judicial reassignments. It was originally assigned to Acting Circuit Judge Mark Wilson, who recused himself on Aug. 1, 2024, citing Florida Rule of General Practice and Judicial Administration 2.330(k). In his Order of Recusal, Judge Wilson certified he was disqualified from presiding and directed the chief judge to reassign the matter. The case was subsequently transferred to Circuit Judge Albert Kelley, who later also recused himself, prompting reassignment to Judge Hamilton, who has overseen the proceedings since.
Prosecutors allege Ketcham misused restricted databases — including FCIC/NCIC and the state’s driver-information network — to warn a boyfriend about narcotics operations in the Upper Keys. An internal affairs investigation in 2024 uncovered thousands of unauthorized queries and text messages. She was arrested that July, terminated from the Sheriff’s Office the following month, and released on a reduced bond of $610,000, down from $1.9 million.
Ketcham remains free on bond pending sentencing.