HOLLY HILL, Fla. — An investigation into inappropriate behavior at the Holly Hill Police Department is now in the hands of the city manager.

What You Need To Know

  • The Holly Hill City Manager requested an internal affairs investigation by the Volusia County Sheriff's Office after he received a complaint about a hostile work environment from a female employee at the Holly Hill Police Department

  • Police Chief Jeff Miller resigned on March 15 and Chris Yates resigned as captain on May 23

  • Two sergeants have also been suspended: Sgt. Shannon Fountain was suspended with pay on March 14 and Sgt. Tom Bentley was suspended with pay on April 3.

Police Chief Jeff Miller resigned on March 15, and Chris Yates resigned as captain on May 23. Two sergeants have also been suspended: Sgt. Shannon Fountain was suspended with pay on March 14 and Sgt. Tom Bentley was suspended with pay on April 3.

Holly Hill City Manager Joe Forte is currently reviewing an internal affairs report conducted by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office. Further disciplinary action could be announced as early as this week.

In an interview with Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, he shared that his investigators conducted more than 30 interviews and compiled in a 104-page-report into what’s being described as “inappropriate incidents.”

“There were three women who made allegations and are subsequently suing the city of Holly Hill and the police department,” Chitwood said.

He said the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is also investigating. Chitwood said he can’t discuss the findings of the investigation but described it as “shocking.”

“We’re not about one person. We’re talking about a culture that was allowed to progress and flourish involving the command staff and, you know, and involving some of some women who were put in really, really awkward positions are the allegations,” Chitwood said. “I think when you read the interviews of these women, it’ll raise the hairs on the back of your neck to think in 2024, how could these things happen?”

Chitwood said he offered for the sheriff’s office to take over law enforcement duties in Holly Hill, which could save the city $1 million, but Forte said the city will keep its department.

In the meantime, the city decided to bring back former retired Chief Mark Barker to serve in an interim administrative role as the search for a new chief of police continues.

Last week, Holly Hill Mayor Chris Via posted an update on social media saying they have conducted six interviews with candidates for the position of Holly Hill Chief of Police.

Forte said he is still reading through the investigation report, which won’t become a public document until they make a decision. He said he expects a decision could come in a couple of days.