Local

9 Investigates: Mascotte police chief resigns after suspension

MASCOTTE, Fla. — Mascotte Police Chief Rolando Banasco resigned Wednesday, hours after being suspended.

Five police officers filed complaints against Banasco Tuesday, so City Manager Jim Gleason said he placed the chief on administrative leave. Banasco then resigned.

Gleason said the decision to part ways with the chief was mutual.

"There's a point when we both recognize that we need to get this behind us and we need to get moved on,” Gleason said. "He made the decision that he was tired of fighting with it and dealing with it."

Some in the department were frustrated with Banasco’s management style, Gleason said.

In 2013, former police officers Gregg Woodworth and Scott Thompson sued the city, claiming they were victims of workplace harassment and retaliation.

Former police Sgt. David Grice also sued the city, alleging he was harassed, humiliated and mistreated after he accused Banasco of secretly recording officers.

Officer Toni Hart filed a third lawsuit, claiming she was harassed and falsely accused of misdeeds.

Hart said Banasco used profanity when referring to her and required her to seek permission each time she needed to use the restroom.

Gleason said that irrespective of the lawsuits’ validity, “enough is enough.”

Banasco, a 15-year veteran of the agency, had served as chief since 2012. He is now running for Osceola County sheriff.

Calls made to Banasco weren’t immediately returned.

0