The newly disclosed records include a video transcript that plays a critical role in debunking allegations of rape against Christian Ziegler, although they also delve into the dynamics of a prior consensual threesome involving Ziegler, his wife Bridget, a member of the Sarasota County School Board, and the accuser. These documents were made public by the Florida Center For Government Accountability following their successful efforts to obtain records related to the now-concluded criminal probe into Ziegler.
The records reveal a video, lasting just under two minutes, which Ziegler submitted to authorities when accused of rape by a Sarasota woman. According to a police report, the authenticity of the video—dated October 2, 2023—was confirmed, documenting an encounter that the woman later disputed. Initially, the woman had agreed to the meeting, expecting Bridget Ziegler to be present, and retracted her consent in a text to Christian Ziegler upon learning of Bridget’s absence, stating, “Sorry I was mostly in for her.”
Despite her withdrawal, Ziegler proceeded with the encounter, during which the woman alleged he coerced her into sexual activity while she was under the influence of alcohol. However, Ziegler has consistently claimed that the encounter was consensual, a position supported by the video evidence, which does not include his face and was taken from an angle she was likely unaware of.
The footage further captures audio of the interaction, where the woman can be heard directing Ziegler on where he could climax, indicating a level of engagement and consent. The police, after reviewing the evidence, considered the sexual act to likely be consensual and did not pursue rape charges against Ziegler. However, they recommended charging him with video voyeurism for filming without her consent.
