Fire Lieutenant and Wife Charged with Sexual Abuse

Sascha Engel, a lieutenant with Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, and his wife Alyssa Engel were arrested on charges of unlawful sexual activity with a minor following allegations they sexually abused a 16-year-old boy at their home. The couple faces three counts each, with the incidents reportedly occurring in March 2024 during an overnight stay by the teen. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office initiated an investigation after being alerted in April, leading to their arrests on Thursday. Due to Alyssa Engel's previous employment with the Hillsborough State Attorney's Office, the case has been reassigned to the state attorney’s office in Polk County for prosecution. Sheriff Chad Chronister condemned the actions of the couple, emphasizing the breach of trust given Engel's position in the community. Engel has been placed on unpaid leave following his arrest, with disciplinary actions pending from the county.