Deputy faces new charges

The first appearance of a Santa Rosa County deputy charged with 120 counts of sexual battery earlier this week was delayed due to new charges. 

John Mitchell Tomlinson, 46, of Navarre is now facing additional charges of five counts of capital sexual battery involving a new victim that has come to light. 

A capital offense could result in life in prison, or if sought by the state attorney's office, the sentence of death by lethal injection.

State Attorney Bil Eddins' office reports the first appearance for Tomlinson will be Friday, March 12, and his arraignment on all charges is expected March 16.

On March 3, the Sheriff's Office asked the FDLE to investigate allegations that Tomlinson had sexual relations with a minor.  Earlier this week, Tomlinson was charged with 120 counts of sexual assault on a person between the ages of 12 and 18.   

The Sheriff's Office immediately put Tomlinson on paid administrative leave, said spokesman Marc Ward. He will remain on leave until the criminal process is resolved.

At the time of his arrest Tomlinson was the head of the security detail provided by the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office at the Santa Rosa County Court House in Milton.

"If these allegations are true I will be very disappointed in Lt. Tomlinson’s behavior," Sheriff Wendell Hall said in a statement. "However, if he’s found guilty he should be punished like any other person that commits this type of crime."

Tomlinson was booked into the Santa Rosa County Jail and his bond was set at $845,000.

The state attorney's office will prosecute the case.