HOLLY HILL, Fla. — Following an investigation alleging sexual harassment and a toxic workplace at the Holly Hill Police Department, a retired police officer is speaking out regarding inappropriate incidents involving the department’s officers and staff members.

Robert Milne wore his badge with honor, which is why during and even after his time as an officer, he spoke out against leaders for their conduct.

“If I see something wrong, I’m going to say something,” said Milne. “It was like a frat house, the jokes, the silliness, the rude comments, the disgusting sexual innuendo, that was all the time.”

Milne previously served with the NYPD in the late 80s. However, after responding to 9/11, he moved to Florida to join the Port Canaveral Police Department.

In 2014, the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office took over that agency, leaving Milne without a job. His search took him to the Holly Hill Police Department, where he spent seven and a half years.

Through his time serving the Holly Hill community, Milne said what stood out was the unprofessionalism and inappropriate behavior from the command staff, including former Police Chief Jeff Miller.

Spectrum News 13 reached out to Miller for comment but he only referred to his statement within the investigation.

It’s something Milne says hurts the profession.

“We get mad when someone does this. Like this, it embarrasses the rest of us,” he said. “These poor officers have to work every day and wear that patch in humiliation because of these people. They should be ashamed of themselves. It absolutely angers me.”

Milne says he reported many of the incidents he witnessed to human resources, but no action was ever taken.

After his retirement in 2023, Milne sent an email to the city manager, Joseph Forte, laying out the ongoing issues the department had. Milne says no action was taken again, and was labeled as a “disgruntled employee.”

“They tried to label me ... as an excuse on why they didn’t act on these things,” he said. “You could have nipped it in the bud right away and you could have maybe given some disciplinary actions.”

Forte denied an interview request on camera with Spectrum News 13, but did reply to questions sent by email.

“I have spent an extraordinary amount of time on this issue over the past several weeks and even more in the past week and it is still not over from my perspective," Forte stated.

He mentioned that he had more disciplinary actions to take on and discussions with the city’s legal counsel, plus the rest of the city to oversee, including the budget preparation and could not directly address the questions that were sent to him. 

Milne said the 104-page investigation only scratches the surface of the sexual harassment and abuse many female officers and staff members faced.

Spectrum News 13 reached out to the mayor and two city commissioners, with only Commissioner Penny Currie responding, saying she did not want to comment on the investigation but did say she is looking forward to incoming Chief Byron Williams. 

Milne hopes Williams changes the culture of the department.

Investigative reporter Curtis McCloud contributed to this story.