Accusations of special treatment in Dolphins DE Phillip Merling’s arrest investigated

Fla. deputy involved in Merling arrest reassigned

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — A Broward Sheriff’s Office commander who’s accused of giving Miami Dolphins defensive end Phillip Merling special treatment after his arrest last month has been temporarily reassigned.

Sheriff’s Office spokesman Jim Leljedal says an internal investigation into the handling of Merling’s arrest is under way.

The deputy has been accused of leading Merling out a side entrance of the jail and then driving him to Weston, where he was arrested in May. Leljedal said the deputy has been reassigned to desk duty and the matter is under review.

Merling was arrested on a charge of aggravated battery against a pregnant woman and was released from Broward County Jail after posting bond.