SWEETWATER, Fla. — An armed security guard, Peter Sebastian Vegliante, 44, was arrested for allegedly placing an 86-year-old man in a headlock and throwing him to the ground at the Social Security Administration (SSA) office in Sweetwater. The incident occurred on February 28 at the SSA location on 11401 W. Flagler Street.
Police investigations, supported by CCTV footage, showed the elderly man waiting in line when Vegliante reportedly grabbed him without consent after the man waved a white piece of paper. Authorities say Vegliante then threw the senior to the ground and pressed his knee on the man’s back for about a minute.
After the incident, medics evaluated and released the victim. The elderly man also stated that two officers warned him he might be arrested if he called the police. A witness interviewed on March 7 confirmed the victim’s story, which was further verified by surveillance footage shared by the U.S. Federal Protective Service.
Vegliante, employed by Maryland-based BTI Security and assigned to a Drug Enforcement Administration facility in Sweetwater, was taken into custody on Monday. He faces charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and battery on a person aged 65 or older. Vegliante declined to comment and requested legal representation.
During a court appearance on Tuesday, Judge Mindy Glazer found insufficient grounds for the aggravated battery charge but set a $1,500 bond for the battery charge involving an elderly person.
Vegliante’s attorney, Lorenzo Palomares, defended his client, stating he was performing his duties and referenced an ongoing dispute with the City of Sweetwater. Records reveal Vegliante had previously sued the city, alleging wrongful arrest during his duty at the SSA office, though that case was dismissed.
As of Tuesday evening, Vegliante was no longer listed in jail records. Neither the SSA, BTI Security, nor his attorney responded to requests for comment.