HOLLY HILL, Fla. — Holly Hill Police Chief Jeffrey Miller has resigned from his position, Mayor Chris Via told Eyewitness News on Thursday.
▶ WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS
Channel 9 has received a memo from the Holly Hill City Manager Joseph Forte outlining the latest on the situation.
Read: Orlando couple charged with attempted murder for planned shooting in Lake County neighborhood
Forte’s memo read in part:
“I write to address recent developments within the Holly Hill Police Department that demand transparency and decisive action.
A few weeks ago, an allegation surfaced regarding inappropriate incidents involving a police sergeant. Without delay, I took immediate action by referring the matter to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office for an impartial internal investigation. As this investigation unfolded, today I was informed that additional accusations emerged implicating the Chief and Captain, prompting a necessary expansion of the inquiry. In accordance with established protocol, individuals under investigation are placed on suspension with paid leave. Consequently, Chief Miller verbally tendered his resignation with immediate effect, while Captain Yates was placed on paid leave pending further investigation. Sergeant Fountain was similarly suspended and placed on paid leave.”
Read: Winter Park leaders discuss state budget proposal that blocks bans on gas leaf blowers
The memo went on to state that to ensure the “continuity of critical services provided by the HHPD and to support the Holly Hill community, temporary operational oversight has been established.”
Chief Westfall and Watch Commanders, Lieutenant Tucker and Lieutenant Bryan have been assigned by the Sheriff’s office to provide assistance and to fill operational gaps until such time as the Chief’s position can be permanently filled
Sergeant Bentley has been reassigned to fill the vacancy left by Sergeant Fountain, and Chief Westfall will be temporarily filling the CID sergeant position with a member of the VCSO to be determined, Forte added.
Read: Local church help gather donations to send to Haiti amid crisis
Channel 9 will bring you the latest updates on this investigation.
Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
©2024 Cox Media Group
