A deputy with the Orange County Sheriff's Department has found himself in hot water after pepper spraying a teenager's pizza.

Pepper spray is bad enough when it gets in a person's eyes, and it apparently wreaks havoc on your insides when ingested.  A total of five people became sick as a result of the deputy's decision.

Authorities said the incident supposedly took place in the fall of 2012.  It was at that time that six-year OCSD veteran Juan Tavera pulled over an unnamed teenager during a routine traffic stop.

At some point in time, for reasons yet to be determined, Tavera decided to spray a healthy dose of pepper spray on top of a pizza that had been placed in the back seat of the driver's car.  The 19 year old was completely unaware of the added topping, and shared the food with friends when he got home.

Everyone got sick.  The 19 year-old thought back to the traffic stop and started to become suspicious. He contacted the OCSD and reported his interaction from earlier in the day.

The case is currently being investigated by the District Attorney's office.  Tavera is being charged with misdemeanor assault or battery by a public officer.  Department records reportedly show he has been placed on paid administrative leave until the case is resolved.

The defendant is set to be arraigned this week.