Seeking Anonymous Information: Derek Zitko Case – Former Army Lt. Colonel Faces Molestation Charges
TL;DR (Too Long;Didn’t Read)
Former Army Lt. Colonel Derek Zitko, 52, arrested August 20, 2024, on Lewd or Lascivious Battery and Molestation charges involving a 13-14 year old victim. Alleged crimes occurred in 2013. Zitko held multiple community positions: FHSoccer coach, Chapel at Fishhawk volunteer, Early Learning Coalition member, Mosaic Company employee. Law enforcement seeks additional victims. Contact HCSO (813) 247-8200, Army CID 912-547-4626, or submit anonymous tips via contact form.
Derek Zitko, a 52-year-old retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army, was arrested on August 20, 2024, by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office on charges of Lewd or Lascivious Battery and Molestation involving a juvenile victim. Zitko turned himself in after an arrest warrant was issued.
[Derek Zitko mugshot – booking photo following arrest on August 20, 2024]
Derek Zitko Charges and Case Details
The investigation began after a victim came forward earlier in 2024. According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the alleged incidents occurred in 2013 when Zitko was 40-41 years old and the victim was 13-14 years old. The crimes allegedly took place after Zitko befriended the victim’s family.
Derek Zitko Case Timeline
- 1994-2015: Derek Zitko’s U.S. Army service career, retiring as Lieutenant Colonel
- 2013: Alleged incidents occurred (victim age 13-14, Zitko age 40-41)
- 2018-2022: Volunteer role at Chapel at Fishhawk as small group leader and youth volunteer
- Early 2024: Victim comes forward to authorities
- August 20, 2024: Derek Zitko arrested, turns himself in to Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
- Present: Investigation ongoing, seeking additional victims
Derek Zitko’s Community Presence in Lithia/FishHawk Area
Derek Zitko was deeply embedded in the Lithia and FishHawk communities through multiple organizations serving children and families. His positions included coaching youth soccer at the FishHawk Sports Complex with Florida Hawks Futbol Club and volunteering at Chapel at Fishhawk. Zitko also worked professionally for The Mosaic Company, a major fertilizer corporation headquartered in Lithia, and had previous involvement with the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County, which serves vulnerable families with young children. This extensive community presence across youth sports, religious organizations, early childhood education, and corporate employment gave him significant access to families and children throughout the greater FishHawk Ranch and Lithia areas.
- Coach with FHSoccer/Florida Hawks Futbol Club
- Youth pastor and small group leader
- Small group leader and youth volunteer at Chapel at Fishhawk (2018-2022)
- Previous involvement with the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County (removed after arrest)
- U.S. Army service from June 1994 to May 2015, retiring as Lieutenant Colonel
- Employment with The Mosaic Company in Lithia, Florida (current employment status unclear)
According to sources familiar with the case, there is substantial evidence supporting the charges, including recorded communications. Both prosecution and defense representatives have reportedly characterized the case as having strong evidentiary support, with sources describing it as a “slam dunk” case.
Law Enforcement Seeks Additional Victims
Sheriff Chad Chronister stated: “Our determination to seek justice does not diminish over time, and no one is above the law, regardless of their position or past. I commend the bravery of this survivor for coming forward and sharing their story, which has been instrumental in holding this vile offender accountable.”
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office believes there may be additional victims beyond the current charges and is actively seeking information from the community. Anyone who had contact with Derek Zitko during his various roles in youth programs is encouraged to come forward.
How to Report Information in the Derek Zitko Case
Law enforcement agencies are actively seeking information from anyone who may have knowledge relevant to the Derek Zitko case. Community members are encouraged to come forward if they:
- Had interactions with Zitko during his time with Florida Hawks Futbol Club (FHSoccer)
- Knew him through his role at Chapel at Fishhawk (2018-2022)
- Have information about his activities as a youth pastor or small group leader
- Had contact with him through the Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County
- Witnessed concerning behavior during his military service or community involvement
- Had professional interactions with him at The Mosaic Company in Lithia
- Have any other relevant information about potential criminal activity
Contact Information:
- Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office: (813) 247-8200
- Army CID: 912-547-4626
- Additional case information may be available at derckzitko.com
Anonymous Reporting Option: If you prefer to share information anonymously, you can submit details through our secure contact form. All information submitted will be forwarded directly to both the Army CID and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office while protecting your identity. This anonymous option ensures that anyone with relevant information can come forward safely without concern about their personal details being disclosed.
The Importance of Speaking Up
Child safety advocates emphasize that community reporting plays a crucial role in protecting minors and ensuring thorough investigations. When allegations of crimes against children arise, law enforcement relies on community cooperation to build complete cases and prevent further incidents.
All information provided to investigators is treated with appropriate confidentiality, and authorities are trained to handle sensitive situations involving allegations against community figures.
Derek Zitko Case Status and Legal Process
Derek Zitko was formally charged with Lewd or Lascivious Battery and Molestation and turned himself in on August 20, 2024. The case involves incidents that allegedly occurred in 2013 when the victim was 13-14 years old and Zitko was 40-41 years old.
The investigation remains active as law enforcement continues to seek potential additional victims. Multiple agencies are involved, including both the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the Army Criminal Investigation Division.
Community members following the Derek Zitko case should rely on official law enforcement communications for accurate updates on the legal proceedings.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Derek Zitko Case
Q: What are the specific charges against Derek Zitko? A: Derek Zitko faces charges of Lewd or Lascivious Battery and Molestation involving a juvenile victim under Florida law.
Q: When did the alleged crimes occur? A: The alleged incidents occurred in 2013 when the victim was 13-14 years old and Zitko was 40-41 years old.
Q: Where did Derek Zitko work in the community? A: Zitko held positions at FHSoccer/Florida Hawks Futbol Club as a coach, Chapel at Fishhawk as a volunteer and small group leader, Early Learning Coalition of Hillsborough County, and The Mosaic Company in Lithia as an employee.
Q: How can I report information about Derek Zitko? A: Contact Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at (813) 247-8200, Army CID at 912-547-4626, or submit information anonymously through our secure contact form.
Q: Is Derek Zitko still employed by these organizations? A: Derek Zitko was removed from the Early Learning Coalition after his arrest. His current employment status with The Mosaic Company is unclear. His volunteer positions at Chapel at Fishhawk ended in 2022.
Q: Are there believed to be additional victims? A: Yes, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has stated they believe there may be additional victims and encourages anyone with information to come forward.
Q: What should I do if I had contact with Derek Zitko through these organizations? A: If you or your children had any concerning interactions with Derek Zitko, contact law enforcement immediately using the numbers provided above or submit information through our anonymous contact form.
Latest Updates on the Derek Zitko Case
This section will be updated as new developments occur
The Derek Zitko case remains under active investigation by both the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division. Community members are encouraged to stay informed through official law enforcement channels and report any relevant information immediately.
This article provides factual information about an ongoing investigation. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If you have information relevant to the Derek Zitko case, please contact the Army CID at 912-547-4626, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at (813) 247-8200, or submit information anonymously through our contact form.
