Sarasota authorities have concluded their investigation into former Florida GOP chairman Christian Ziegler, deciding not to pursue rape charges against him.

However, Ziegler might still face legal issues related to accusations of illicit recording of the previously alleged victim, as Politico reported.

Earlier this month, Ziegler was removed from his position as the chair of the state party when he declined to resign while a criminal investigation into his conduct was ongoing.

Police Findings and Potential Charges

The Sarasota Police Department, after examining a video Ziegler allegedly recorded, concluded that the interaction with the accuser was probably consensual, thus not supporting a sexual battery charge.

However, they found that the alleged victim was unaware that she was being recorded and did not consent to it.

Consequently, police have suggested charging Ziegler with video voyeurism.

State Attorney Ed Brodsky confirmed that the police have referred the case to his office.

Brodsky said, "We're going to begin to immediately review their investigative findings, and I expect our review to be thorough."

Ziegler's Defense and Impact of Allegations

Ziegler, backed by his legal representative, Derek Byrd, has consistently stated that the encounter was consensual.

Byrd emphasized Ziegler's honesty and cooperation throughout the investigation. "Since day one, we have been confident Mr. Ziegler would be exonerated from these baseless allegations," Byrd communicated via email.

The lawyer expressed disappointment in public and media judgment, citing severe damage to Ziegler's reputation and personal and professional life.

Byrd also voiced discontent with law enforcement's decision to transfer the remaining aspects of the case to the state attorney's office but remained optimistic about the outcome. "We strongly believe that the state attorney will not prosecute Mr. Ziegler for any crime," he added.

Political Implications and Response

This case has sparked controversy, particularly because both Christian Ziegler and his wife, Bridget Ziegler, a former Moms for Liberty co-founder and school board member, are known for advocating traditional family values. This apparent contradiction has led to calls for their resignation from their respective positions.

Despite pressure from high-ranking Republicans in Florida, including Gov. Ron DeSantis and Sens. Rick Scott and Marco Rubio, Christian Ziegler initially resisted stepping down.

However, he was eventually removed by a majority vote in a state party executive committee meeting.

Bridget Ziegler, who departed from Moms for Liberty in 2021, has been asked by her fellow school board members to tender her resignation, yet she has thus far declined to do so.

Reports from local media in the Tampa Bay area indicate that a multitude of people attended this week's school board meeting and joined in calls for her resignation.