Former Collier County deputy accused of stalking and violating injunction

A former Collier County deputy was arrested on Sunday after he was accused of stalking a victim after an injunction was served. According to the Collier County Sheriff's Office booking report, William Lang, 54, was accused of erratic and hostile behavior in person and online over the course of months, including reportedly having an outburst at a church service that led to his removal and a trespass warning. On Aug. 18, Lang was accused of approaching a deputy, which led to him being pepper sprayed and Baker Acted, deputies said. In addition, the report states Lang had been posting screenshots of his bank card, rambling in posts, AI-generated dialogue and multiple reposts of previous posts. On Aug. 29, the sheriff's office said Lang went to the Collier County Courthouse to make contact with the victim, but he was unable to do so he reportedly went to the neighborhood to try to get into the community, but security denied Lang entry. He was also issued a trespass warning for the victim's home. Then, Lang was accused of going to the courthouse again on Sept. 2 to reach the victim, and a deputy told him not to, but the report said he was pulling on the door handle to get inside despite the door being locked. The victim told Lang at least twice that they wanted no more contact with him through text messages, but according to the report, Lang was accused of still trying to contact the victim. After that, the victim filed for an injunction for protection, and it was granted on Sept. 3. Lang was served with an injunction for protection as well, which included a condition for him to turn in his firearms, but that had not happened as of Sept. 6, the report states. On Sept. 5, Lang was accused of sending messages to the victim that were deemed disturbing and harassing. According to the report, screenshots showed phone calls were made. They also showed invites to join Lang's Apple "family", statements reportedly saying "my weapons have thousands of bullets," mentioning going to a gun range and other screenshots of songs and pictures. Lang was accused of sending more messages on Sept. 6 before he was arrested and taken to Physicians Regional Hospital by EMS. He is facing a charge of aggravated stalking (follow, harass, cyberstalk after injunction). The sheriff's office said Lang is a former deputy who was hired on Oct. 16, 2001, and retired on Dec. 1, 2025. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.