In a recent development, the Sarasota Police Department has decided against recommending rape charges against Christian Ziegler, the ousted chair of the Republican Party of Florida. However, Ziegler may still face felony charges for illegally recording the alleged victim. This decision comes after Ziegler was pushed out of his post as chair when he refused to step down during the ongoing criminal investigation.

According to a statement released by the Sarasota Police Department on Friday, a review of a video recorded by Ziegler and the woman who lodged the initial rape complaint indicated that the encounter was likely consensual. As a result, detectives were unable to establish probable cause to charge Ziegler with sexual battery.

Nevertheless, during a follow-up interview with the alleged victim, it was revealed that she was unaware of being recorded by Ziegler and did not consent to the act. As a result, the police have recommended that Ziegler be charged with video voyeurism. The case has now been forwarded to the office of State Attorney Ed Brodsky for further review.

Ziegler has consistently maintained that the encounter with the woman, which led to the rape accusations against him, was consensual. He and his wife, Bridget Ziegler, co-founder of Moms for Liberty and member of the Sarasota County school board, disclosed to the police that they had engaged in a consensual sexual encounter with the alleged victim a year prior, as stated in a search warrant affidavit.

Derek Byrd, an attorney representing Ziegler, expressed confidence in his client's exoneration, emphasizing his cooperation with law enforcement throughout the investigation. Byrd also criticized the damage inflicted upon Ziegler's reputation, personal life, professional life, and family as a result of the allegations.

The case has sparked allegations of hypocrisy against both Ziegler and Bridget Ziegler, who advocate for traditional family values. The revelations have led to calls for both individuals to step down from their respective positions. However, Ziegler has refused to resign despite calls from influential Republicans such as Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, Senators Rick Scott and Marco Rubio, and U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz.

While Bridget Ziegler left Moms for Liberty in 2021, she has refused to resign from her school board position despite pressure from her colleagues. Furthermore, reports indicate that numerous individuals attended a recent school board meeting, demanding her resignation.

The case involving Christian Ziegler remains a subject of interest as it now awaits further review and potential charges from the state attorney's office.