Suspect with violent criminal history released, Sheriff's Office says

OSCEOLA COUNTY, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Samuel Fertic has been released from the Osceola County Jail after prosecutors decided against pursuing charges of sexual battery, arson and preventing firefighters from going into a structure.

In June, deputies served an arrest warrant on sexual battery charge at Fertic's St. Cloud home.  Investigators accused him of setting his home on fire to avoid arrest.  Fertic was eventually arrested after a swat standoff.

In a statement, the Osceola County Sheriff's Office said, "Due to the suspect's violent criminal history, law enforcement is concerned about his recent release.  While we do not agree with the decision, we will abide by that decision."