Florida Man Accused of Masturbating Outside Tax Collector’s Office Just Two Months After Similar Arrest

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A Florida man is facing a felony charge after Brevard County deputies say he was caught masturbating inside a vehicle parked outside a Tax Collector’s Office — roughly two months after he was arrested on a similar allegation.

The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office identified the man as Brandon Bennett, 43, who authorities say was reported by a citizen who noticed suspicious activity inside a vehicle in the government office parking lot on Aug. 19.

According to an account released by Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey, Sgt. Flake responded to the parking lot and located a vehicle that had been backed into a parking space, leaving its front facing people walking through the lot.

As the sergeant approached, deputies allege Bennett was sitting in the driver’s seat with his pants unzipped and masturbating.

Deputies ordered Bennett to stop and get out of the vehicle. According to the sheriff’s account, Bennett initially refused to exit before deputies assisted him from the car.

Investigators also reported finding a bottle of personal lubricant in a cup holder next to the driver’s seat.

Second Similar Arrest in Two Months

The latest arrest came approximately two months after Bennett was taken into custody in another Brevard County case involving allegations of public sexual activity.

Booking records show Bennett was arrested by the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office on June 16 and booked on charges listed as public nudity and exposure of sexual organs, first offense.

Sheriff’s officials say that earlier incident occurred during daylight hours in a beach parking lot and that juveniles were present at the time. The June charges themselves do not establish that Bennett committed the alleged conduct, and the case remains subject to the court process.

Because the August allegation represents a subsequent exposure charge, authorities say Bennett is now charged with exposure of sexual organs, second or subsequent offense, which is classified as a third-degree felony under Florida law.

He also faces a charge of resisting an officer without violence in connection with his alleged refusal to comply with deputies’ instructions.

Sheriff Launches “Chronicles of Stupid” Series With Arrest

Ivey used Bennett’s arrest to introduce a new social-media series from his office called “The Chronicles Of Stupid,” which the sheriff said would highlight unusual criminal cases handled by his deputies.

The sheriff also thanked the citizen who contacted authorities after witnessing the alleged behavior, saying members of the public should not be subjected to sexual activity in public places.

The case attracted additional attention because of how closely the allegations resemble those surrounding Bennett’s June arrest.

Bennett’s latest charges are accusations. An arrest does not constitute a conviction, and prosecutors would have to prove the allegations in court.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.