Findings Of Fact Based on all the evidence, the following facts are determined: At all times relevant hereto, respondent, Glenn C. Mingledorff, was certified as a law enforcement officer by petitioner, Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, having been issued Certificate No. 02-25390 on June 13, 1980. When the events herein occurred, Mingledorff was employed as a uniformed highway patrolman with the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). He resigned from the FHP effective October 26, 1984 and is no longer in the law enforcement profession. Shortly after midnight on February 5, 1983, respondent was on duty in Palm Beach County. When the following events occurred he was transporting two DWI arrestees to a local Palm Beach County jail. While driving north on I-95, he observed a vehicle with three occupants swerve into the lane in front of him. After tailing the vehicle a short distance, and noticing that it was "swerving" on occasion, Mingledorff stopped the vehicle. The driver was Nancy Lynn Pearson, a young female whose speech was slurred, and who smelled of alcohol. She was arrested for suspected driving under the influence of alcohol. Mingledorff drove her to a nearby "Batmobile" where she was given a breathalyzer test and asked to perform certain coordination tests. While these tests were being performed, Mingledorff transported the two male arrestees to a local jail. Pearson "blew" a .14 on the breathalyzer machine, which was above the .10 legal limits, and did not "adequately" perform the coordination tests. When Mingledorff returned to the Batmobile approximately an hour and a half later, he handcuffed Pearson with her hands in the front, and placed her in the back seat of his FHP car. He then drove Pearson to the Lake Worth women's facility which was approximately twenty minutes away. During the trip to the facility, Pearson began to cry, and Mingledorff attempted to comfort her by explaining what would happen after she reached the facility. He also told her she was "sweet" and "cute," that she had a "nice shape," and suggested that they might go out sometime in the future for dinner. When the two arrived at the Lake Worth facility, it was between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. in the morning. Mingledorff parked the car approximately twenty feet from the entrance to the jail. He then let Pearson out of the car, and after she had walked a few feet, told her he had to frisk her. Although the testimony is conflicting at this point, the more credible and persuasive testimony establishes the following version of events. Mingledorff asked her to extend her handcuffed hands to the front, and then reached down to her ankles and began patting her up the front side of her legs. When he got to her crotch, he "felt around" for a few seconds. Mingledorff then went up to her breasts and squeezed them momentarily. After going to her back side, he squeezed her buttocks during the pat-down process. Pearson did not say anything while Mingledorff frisked her, nor did she say anything when she was taken into the jail. However, about a month later she saw a highway patrolman named Davis at a local speedway, who she mistook for Mingledorff, and complained to him about the frisk. Davis then told local FHP officials. Mingledorff stated that he routinely frisked all arrestees for weapons and drugs, regardless of whether they were male or female. However, through credible testimony it was shown that a "hands-on" search of a female detainee by Mingledorff was inappropriate under the circumstances and contrary to FHP policy. More specifically, it was established that a female detainee is not searched by a male trooper unless the trooper "feels there's a threat to his well-being." Here there was none. Mingledorff should have taken only her purse and any other belongings and left the responsibility of frisking the prisoner to the female attendant at the jail. On the afternoon of May 23, 1984, respondent was on duty as a highway patrolman on I-95 in Palm Beach County. He came up on a vehicle which had spun around in a near-accident and was facing on-coming traffic. The vehicle was operated by Siham Caceres, a then unmarried young female. Caceres was extremely nervous and upset from her near-accident, and was unable to drive her vehicle to the side of the road. Mingledorff directed her to sit in the right front seat of his patrol car until she was calm enough to proceed on her trip. The two sat in his car for approximately ten minutes or so. During that time, Mingledorff, who was in the driver's seat, acknowledged that he briefly reached over and touched Caceres' arm to generate her "circulation." Although he denied any other contact, it is found that Caceres' testimony is more credible and that Mingledorff then reached inside Caceres' sun dress and rubbed her breasts. He also rubbed her crotch area momentarily. Caceres did not encourage or consent to this activity. She did not receive a ticket and was allowed to leave a few minutes later. Caceres did not immediately tell anyone about the incident since she was embarrassed, and she was fearful her brothers would "get" Mingledorff if they learned what had hap- pened. She later told her fiancee, who then reported the matter to FHP officials.
Recommendation Based upon the findings of fact and conclusions of law recited above, it is recommended that Respondent's letter of denial of registration to Petitioner be rescinded and that Petitioner's application for registration be GRANTED. DONE AND ENTERED this 13th day of July 1978 in Tallahassee, Florida. COPIES FURNISHED: Secretary William J. Page, Jr. Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services 1323 Winewood Boulevard Tallahassee, Florida 32301 Jack T. Edmund Post Office Box 226 Bartow, Florida 33830 Anthony N. DeLuccia, Jr. District VIII Counsel Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services Post office Box 2258 Ft. Myers, Florida 33902 DIANE D. TREMOR Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings 101 Collins Building Mail: 530 Carlton Building Tallahassee, Florida 32304 (904) 488-9675
Findings Of Fact At all times relevant hereto Thomas K. Morgan was a trooper with the Florida Highway Patrol and was certified as a law enforcement officer by Respondent. On April 28, 1984, Brenda Liles, a 22-year-old woman, was returning to her home in Ruskin when she ran out of gas and pulled off on the shoulder of U.S. 41 in a rural area. Before leaving from her departure point, she realized her gas gauge was on empty and she called her father to ask him to come look for her if she was not home in 15 minutes. Trooper Morgan saw the AMC Concord parked along U.S. 41 and pulled up behind the car. Miss Liles was in the car with the doors locked and the windows rolled up. When Respondent approached her car he shined his flashlight inside the car to look for weapons or anything suspicious. Seeing the trooper, Miss Liles lowered the window to tell him she had run out of gas but her father would be along momentarily. Respondent stayed alongside Miss Liles' car and they held a general conversation for several minutes before Mr. Liles arrived. Miss Liles was dressed in shorts and tee shirt. When her father arrived he found his daughter calm and he suggested she get into his pickup truck and he would return for the AMC the following day. Respondent told Liles that he (Morgan) had a gas can he could borrow to get gas and the car could then be driven away rather than be left alongside the highway all night. Liles took the gas can and departed. He planned to stop by his home for a funnel but, even so, the round-trip for gas was expected to take no more than ten minutes. When Liles left, Respondent continued talking to Miss Liles and suddenly started shining his flashlight over her body and said, "Pussy, pussy, let me see that pussy," or "I want that pussy; open it up," or words of similar import. Miss Liles initially did not understand him and asked him what he had said. He repeated the words while shining his flashlight over her body. She immediately rolled up the window through which they had been talking (the doors had remained locked) and became very frightened and started crying. Respondent returned to his patrol car and started filling out reports. Approximately five minutes later Mr. Liles returned with the gas, saw his daughter was crying, and that she was visibly upset. After putting gas in the car, he returned the gas can to Respondent and asked his name and badge number. When the AMC was started Liles told his daughter to follow him and he drove to the sheriff's substation in Ruskin. Although Liles did not ask his daughter what had happened, he sensed it had something to do with Respondent. Upon arrival at the Sheriff's Office they encountered Trooper Donna L. Middleton who was told by Liles that they wanted to make a complaint. At this time Miss Liles was either still crying or showed visible evidence of having been crying and was quite upset. Trooper Middleton took father and daughter into an office to inquire as to the nature of the complaint. Miss Liles was having some difficulty getting the words out so Mr. Liles excused himself and went outside. Trooper Middleton gave Miss Liles complaint forms and asked her to write down what had happened. She assisted Miss Liles in the correct spelling of some of the words. As soon as she realized the nature of the complaint, Middleton called her supervisor to come to the Ruskin office. The Lileses remained at the substation until the then-Corporal Shriver arrived approximately one hour after the Lileses had arrived. At this time Miss Liles still gave the appearance of being upset and of earlier crying. Shriver took custody of the statement and the Lileses returned home. The complaint was duly processed by the Florida Highway Patrol, referred to the investigation branch, and investigated by Lieutenant Brown. Brown interviewed all the parties above named including Respondent. Following this investigation Respondent was dismissed from his employment with the Florida Highway Patrol. Respondent presented his wife and a female friend of his wife to testify that they had never heard Respondent make comments about the anatomical parts of the female body, and that such comments would be inconsistent with their impression of Respondent's character. In his testimony Respondent confirmed all of the testimony of the Lileses except Respondent's use of the language complained of, which he denied. Although all witnesses had testified that the weather was mild on the evening in question, Respondent testified Miss Liles rolled up her window because she was cold and he then returned to the patrol car. Respondent also testified that he had always been interested in work as a law enforcement officer and was very proud of his position as a trooper in the Florida Highway Patrol.
The Issue The issue for determination is whether Respondent committed the offenses set forth in the administrative complaint and, if so, what action should be taken.
Findings Of Fact On May 16, 1983, Walter Taylor (Respondent) was certified by the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (Petitioner), having been issued Correctional Certificate Number 66856. On December 23, 19851, Respondent was certified by Petitioner, having been issued Law Enforcement Certificate Number 66855. At all times material hereto, Respondent was employed by the Riviera Beach Police Department (Riviera Beach PD) as a law enforcement officer. In April 1994, Respondent and his wife were divorced. They had been married 14 years and had minor children. Prior to the divorce, Respondent had several confrontations with his wife regarding her relationship with another man, a Mr. Chilton, whom she had met in or around 1988. During one confrontation in April 1993, Respondent slapped his then wife. At times, Mr. Chilton was present when the confrontations took place. At no time prior to the divorce did Respondent harm or threaten to harm Mr. Chilton. Subsequent to the divorce, Respondent’s ex-wife and Mr. Chilton continued their relationship. In August 1994, Respondent wanted to attend his family’s reunion in New York but had insufficient funds to take his children with him. Respondent’s ex-wife agreed to attend the reunion with them. With her financial support, everyone could attend the reunion. Respondent and his ex-wife agreed to a pre- arranged time for them to meet on August 11, 1994, and drive to the reunion together. On August 11, 1994, prior to the pre-arranged time, Respondent and his children were packed and ready to leave. Respondent attempted to contact his ex-wife, so they could depart early. He called several places but to no avail. Having failed to locate his ex-wife, Respondent concluded that she was at Mr. Chilton’s apartment. Respondent called Mr. Chilton’s apartment several times only to get an answering machine. He drove to Mr. Chilton’s apartment. By this time, it was approximately 10:00 or 10:30 p.m. When Respondent arrived at Mr. Chilton’s apartment complex, he observed both Mr. Chilton’s and his ex-wife’s vehicles in the parking area. Respondent knocked on Mr. Chilton’s apartment door but received no response. Having knocked from two to five minutes, Respondent left but stopped nearby at a telephone. He repeatedly called Mr. Chilton’s apartment and again the answering machine answered. Respondent was convinced that his ex-wife was in Mr. Chilton’s apartment and that they were refusing to answer the telephone or the door. Respondent was upset and frustrated. Respondent returned to Mr. Chilton’s apartment and began knocking again. The more he knocked, the more frustrated he became. His knocks became harder and louder until he was pounding the door. No one answered the door. Respondent’s ex-wife and Mr. Chilton were afraid to open the door. At all times, Mr. Chilton and the Respondent’s ex-wife were inside the apartment. The door was locked and the deadbolt was engaged. Becoming more and more frustrated, Respondent hit the apartment door two or three times with both hands, arms raised, palms forward and with the weight of his body behind him. The force applied by Respondent knocked down the door. Respondent entered Mr. Chilton’s apartment beyond the door frame. He told his ex-wife to come outside with him and talk. She immediately complied. While exiting Mr. Chilton’s apartment, Respondent informed Mr. Chilton to bill him for the door. The door to Mr. Chilton’s apartment was damaged beyond repair and the area surrounding the door was severely damaged. The dead bolt area on the door was bulged. The area on the door jam in which the dead bolt slid had popped and come loose and was indented. The door handle was very loose. The trim on the doorway was split. On many occasions Respondent has been involved in law enforcement raids in which he, personally, has had to break down doors with his body. The method used by Respondent to break down the doors during the raids was not the same method used by him on August 11, 1994. Even though Respondent’s action forced open the door to Mr. Chilton’s apartment, he reacted out of frustration, not with the intent to force the door open. However, Respondent acted in reckless disregard for the consequences of his actions. He should not have returned to Mr. Chilton’s apartment but waited for his ex-wife until the prearranged time. Respondent’s actions could have escalated the situation into a more serious incident. He exhibited a reckless disregard for the safety and property of others. The incident was reported to the Martin County Sheriff’s Department. The Deputies on the scene took pictures and completed a report. Mr. Chilton did not want to file criminal charges against Respondent but only wanted his door repaired. The Deputies assisted Mr. Chilton in somewhat securing the door, so that it would at least close. Approximately 3:00 a.m. on August 12, 1994, Respondent telephoned Mr. Chilton. Respondent apologized for the damage to the door and agreed to pay for the damage. Subsequently, Respondent telephoned the apartment complex’s manager and agreed to pay for the damage to the door. The cost of the door was $352.99. A payment plan was arranged in which Respondent would pay for the damage in installments. Due to financial constraints, Respondent was unable to comply with the payment plan as agreed upon. The final payment was made on or about February 2, 1995. Respondent had no reason associated with his law enforcement duties to enter Mr. Chilton’s apartment. Respondent was off-duty and out-of uniform. Respondent entered Mr. Chilton’s apartment without permission or invitation. Respondent is responsible for the damage to the door of Mr. Chilton’s apartment. Prior to the incident on August 11, 1994, in or around June 1994, Respondent received training in Anger Management. On August 3, 1994, Respondent was promoted to Sergeant, on a probationary status, by the Riviera Beach PD. As a result of the incident on August 11, 1994, the Riviera Beach PD conducted a personnel investigation. On January 24, 1995, it issued a notice of intent to take disciplinary action against Respondent -– a demotion from a Sergeant to a Patrol Officer, which included a five percent cut in salary. The disciplinary action was taken by the Riviera Beach PD. On November 2, 1994, Petitioner’s Probable Cause Panel issued Respondent a Letter of Guidance for the act of committing battery (slapping) upon his then wife in April 1993. At the time of the issuance of the Letter of Guidance, Respondent had successfully completed the Probable Cause Intervention Program. The Probable Cause Panel was not aware of the pending disciplinary action against Respondent by the Riviera Beach PD involving the incident of August 11, 1994. Neither Respondent nor the Riviera Beach PD notified the Probable Cause Panel of the pending disciplinary action.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission enter a final order Reprimanding Respondent; and Suspending Respondent’s certification for thirty (30) days. DONE AND ENTERED this 17th day of March, 1997, in Tallahassee, Florida. ERROL H. POWELL Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (904) 488-9675 SUNCOM 278-9675 Fax Filing (904) 921-6847 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 17th day of March, 1997.
The Issue Whether the Respondent should be dismissed from employment as an instructional employee of the Respondent, School Board of Lake County, Florida ("School Board"), or, to otherwise determine the terms under which the Respondent may be reinstated as an instructional employee by the School Board. The charges are based upon the acts and violations alleged in the Superintendent's letter of August 21, 1989 and Amendment to Charges dated July 12, 1990. Case No. 90-4382 Whether the Respondent's teaching certificate should be revoked or otherwise disciplined for violation of Section 231.28(1)(c) and (f), Florida Statutes.
Findings Of Fact The School Board of Lake county, Florida pursuant to Sect. 120.57(1)(b)10, Fla. Stat., which precludes the agency from rejecting or modifying the Findings of Fact made by the Hearing officer, unless the agency finds that the Findings of Fact were not based upon competent substantial evidence or that the proceedings on which the findings were based did not comply with the essential requirements of law, adopts the findings of fact made by the Hearing Officer. The School Board of Lake County, Florida hereby rejects the Hearing Officer's Conclusions of Law that the petitioner was not guilty of immorality, was not incompetent by reason of incapacity and did not commit misconduct in office. The School Board of Lake County, Florida finds that although the Findings of Fact support a conclusion of drunkenness, the findings do not rise to the level of public drunkenness as is required for termination under Sect. 231.36, Fla. Stat. The School Board of Lake County, Florida therefore substitutes its conclusions of law as follows: That the respondent, Sarah I. Clark, giving con- sideration to Fla. Admin. Code Rule 6B-1.001(3) and Rule 6B-4.009(1)(b)(1) is incompetent due to incapacity, due to lack of emotional stability. That the respondent, Sarah I. Clark, has engaged im- morality in that respondent's conduct in urinating on her husband in the course of performance of a sexual act involves a sexual act which is deemed a violation of the law of Florida, notwithstanding the fact that the act was engaged in by the mutual consent of the parties thereto; and that the respondent's publication of that event to members of the Lake County Sheriff's Department and a resident in her home, Mr. William Rutland, and the resulting investigation by the Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services constitutes conduct sufficiently notorious to bring the individual concern or the education profession into public disgrace or disrespect to the end that the individual's service in the community is impaired. That the respondent, Sarah I. Clark, is guilty of misconduct in office for violation of the code of Ethics of the Education Profession as adopted in Fla. Admin. Code Rule 6B-1.001(3). For reference a copy of the Hearing Officer's Recommended Order is attached hereto. RULING ON EXCEPTIONS TO THE HEARING OFFICER'S RECOMMENDED ORDER Upon consideration of petitioner's exceptions to Hearing Officer's Recommended Order as served on March 1, 1991 and respondent's exceptions to the Recommended Order as served February 22, 1991, said exceptions be and the same are hereby denied.
Recommendation Based upon the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is, therefore RECOMMENDED that: The Board take no action to discharge Respondent and condition her employment upon regular continued participation in Alcoholics Anonymous; and The EPC drop its charges against the Respondent and dismiss this case. DONE AND ENTERED this 6th day of February, 1991, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. STEPHEN F. DEAN Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, FL 32399-1550 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 6th day of February, 1991. APPENDIX TO RECOMMENDED ORDER IN CASE NOS. 89-5247 AND 90-4382 Petitioner, Betty Castor's Proposed Findings of Fact: 1-6. Adopted. 7. Irrelevant. 8-9. Adopted but restated. 10-23. Adopted. 24. Rejected. See paragraph 20(FA) of Respondent's Proposed Recommended Order. 25-32. Restated in Respondent's Proposed Recommended Order, paragraph 20(B)-40. 33-37. Rejected, credibility of Rutland. 38-40. Adopted but restated as in Respondent's Proposed Recommended Order, paragraphs 33-37. 41-48. Rejected, as contrary to the more credible testimony. 49-52. Irrelevant. 53-56. Rejected, as contrary to the more credible testimony. Adopted. Adopted in part, rejected in part, as irrelevant. 59-61. Deleted from Proposed Recommended Order. 62-67. Adopted and rewritten, see Respondent's Proposed Recommended Order, paragraphs 41-43. 68-70. Irrelevant. Petitioner, School Board's Proposed Findings of Fact: 1-3. Adopted. 4-18. Adopted, generally, but restated as proposed in Petitioner, Castor's Proposed Recommended Order, paragraphs 3-23. 19-23. Adopted, generally, but restated as proposed by Respondent in the two paragraphs 20 on page 8 of Respondent's Proposed Recommended Order and paragraph 25 of Petitioner, Castor's Proposed Recommended Order. 24-58. The facts based upon Rutland's testimony are rejected. The facts as restated in Respondent's proposed Recommended Order, paragraphs 21-40 are accepted as being a more accurate statement of the facts revealed in the record. 59-70. Rejected, as contrary to the more credible evidence in the record. Respondent's Proposed Findings of Fact: 1-2. Irrelevant. Irrelevant. Added to Conclusions of Law as last paragraph. 5-50. Adopted, generally, and summarized. Those findings which were deleted were deemed irrelevant. COPIES FURNISHED: Thomas E. Sanders, Superintendent Lake County School Board 201 W. Burleigh Boulevard Tavares, FL 32778 Martin B. Schapp, Administrator Professional Practices Services 352 Florida Education Center 325 W. Gaines Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400 Ms. Karen Barr Wilde Executive Director 301 Florida Education Center 325 W. Gaines Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-0400 Stephen W. Johnson, Esq. MCLIN, BUPNSED, ET AL. 1000 West Main Street P.O. Box 491357 Leesburg, FL 34749-1357 Stephen C. Willis, Esq. BROOKS & LEBOEUF 863 East Park Avenue Tallahassee, FL 32301 Sally C. Gertz, Esq. Florida Education Association/United 118 North Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1700
The Issue Whether the Respondent is guilty of failure to maintain good moral character, as required by Subsection 943.13(7), Florida Statutes, and whether disciplinary action should be taken as a result.
Findings Of Fact The Respondent was certified by the Petitioner on February 5, 1993, and was issued Correctional Certificate No. 134881. The Petitioner is charged with the administration of criminal justice standards and training for all law enforcement officers, corrections officers, and correctional probation officers throughout Florida, pursuant to Sections 943.085 - 943.255, and is authorized to discipline individuals licensed thereunder who violate the law. On November 28, 2002, Lake City Correctional Facility Correctional Officer Martha Escobar was approached by Inmate Aaron Smiley concerning his allegations of having fallen down the stairs the previous day as the result of his having been forced by the Respondent to carry six chairs up and down the stairs as a disciplinary measure. The alleged incident had taken place nearly 24 hours before Inmate Smiley reported it to Officer Escobar. Officer Escobar reported the statement on an incident report that she gave to her supervisor. Officer Escobar believed that Inmate Smiley was telling the truth about the incident. Inmate Smiley confirmed the facts previously stated to Officer Escobar to Captain Ruth Shaw who also completed a supervisory report. Lake City Correctional Facility Inspector Paul French interviewed numerous correctional officers under oath and prepared a written report concerning the alleged chair-carrying incident. Inspector French’s report covered the investigation of two charges: that the Respondent threatened Inmate Smiley with bodily harm if he told anyone about the alleged incident; and that the Respondent was untruthful in his responses as to what occurred during and following the alleged incident of November 27, 2002. No inmates who were listed as witnesses by Inspector French in his report were present to testify at the hearing. Officer Escobar had personally witnessed inmates carrying chairs up and down the stairs for disciplinary purposes under the Respondent’s watch in the past. Officer Escobar did not personally witness the alleged incident concerning Inmate Smiley. Officer Escobar had never reported to her supervisors in the past that inmates had been forced to carry chairs up and down the stairs for disciplinary reasons. Correctional Officer Joyce Joseph, who serves as a “mini warden” supervising the unit in which the alleged incident took place and another unit, spoke with the Respondent on one occasion about an incident involving an inmate under his watch carrying chairs up and down the stairs for disciplinary purposes. Officer Joseph neither reported the chair-carrying incident involving the Respondent to her superiors nor did she personally write-up the Respondent for the incident. Officer Joseph did not personally witness the alleged incident of November 27, 2002. Travis Smith, the Lake City Correctional Facility Recreation Director, had been told in the past by an inmate that the Respondent had ordered him to carry chairs up and down the stairs as a form of discipline. Mr. Smith never reported to his superiors the inmate’s statement that he had been disciplined by having been forced to carry chairs up and down the stairs. Mr. Smith did not personally witness the alleged incident of November 27, 2002. Captain Ruth Shaw received a report from her lieutenant, Phillip Mobley, that had been made by Officer Escobar concerning the alleged incident with Inmate Smiley on November 27, 2002. Captain Shaw has a close personal relationship with the Respondent. Captain Shaw had never witnessed the Respondent ordering inmates to carry chairs up and down the stairs as a form of discipline. Captain Shaw did not witness the alleged incident of November 27, 2002. Captain Shaw reported that Inmate Smiley told her he had tripped and fallen over chairs while carrying them up and down the stairs. Correctional Officer Maurice Gardner had previous discussions with the Respondent concerning the Respondent’s disciplining of inmates by requiring them to carry chairs up and down the stairs. Officer Gardner does not discipline inmates by having them carry chairs up and down the stairs. Officer Gardner had witnessed inmates in the past carrying chairs up and down the stairs for discipline when he came on his shift immediately following the Respondent’s shift in the correctional facility. Officer Gardner did not witness the alleged incident of November 27, 2002. Officer Gardner and the Respondent were friends when they worked together at the correctional facility. Sometimes inmates report incidents that are not true. Inspector French interviewed the Respondent once not under oath and a second time under oath. Under oath, on December 31, 2003, the Respondent stated to Inspector French that he had never ordered inmates to carry chairs up and down the stairs as a form of discipline. The Respondent was well respected at the Lake City Correctional facility prior to the alleged incident. If the Respondent had been found to have ordered inmates to carry chairs up and down the stairs as a form of discipline he most likely would have received a PSN, a “problem solving notice,” which is a mild form of discipline. The Respondent had never received a PSN or any form of discipline for having required inmates to carry chairs up and down the stairs as a form of discipline since no such incidents had ever been reported as to the Respondent in the past. The Respondent and all correctional officers at Lake City Correctional Facility had received instruction in the past about the importance of not lying under oath. The senior staff at the correctional facility instruct the correctional officers concerning how serious an infraction the Florida Department of Law Enforcement considers lying under oath. The Respondent had never been untruthful to Inspector French in the past. Sergeant Donna Murphy was aware that Officer Escobar went from cell to cell after the alleged incident of November 28, 2002, seeking statements about the incident from inmates. Inmate Smiley is a small individual who would have had a difficult time carrying six chairs up and down the stairs. Sergeant Murphy had never witnessed the Respondent requiring inmates to carry chairs up and down the stairs as a form of discipline. Sergeant Murphy did not witness the alleged incident of November 27, 2002. The Respondent believes that the witnesses who testified against him were forced to make the statements concerning his past disciplinary practices. The Respondent and Officer Escobar have experienced working relationship problems in the past. During his tenure at the Lake City Correctional Facility, the Respondent received one of the highest officer’s evaluations for 2002, and he was recommended for and completed four instructor’s courses: firearms instructor, defensive tactics instructor, instructor techniques, and chemical agents instructor. The Respondent has suffered personally as the result of losing his position at Lake City Correctional Facility. He has been forced to take a low-paying position as a youth counselor at a local community center in order to keep up with his child support payments and living expenses.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission enter a final order as follows: The Respondent violated Section 837.02(1), Florida Statutes, and, as a result, failed to maintain good moral character, as required by Section 943.13(7), Florida Statutes; That his certification be suspended for two years from January 16, 2003. DONE AND ENTERED this 23rd day of February, 2004, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S ROBERT S. COHEN Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 SUNCOM 278-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 23rd day of February, 2004. COPIES FURNISHED: Laurie B. Binder, Esquire Department of Law Enforcement Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302-1489 Michael A. Kelly Route 7, Box 517 Lake City, Florida 32055 Rod Caswell, Program Director Division of Criminal Justice Professionalism Services Department of Law Enforcement Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302 Michael Ramage, General Counsel Department of Law Enforcement Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302
Findings Of Fact The Respondent Respondent holds Teaching Certificate No. 75756, covering the areas of physical education, health education and drivers education. The Certificate expires June 30, 1987. At all times material hereto, the School Board of Palm Beach County employed respondent as an assistant principal at Lake Shore Middle School in Belle Glade, Florida. Respondent was first hired by the School Board in 1956, as a physical education instructor at East Lake Junior High School, in Belle Glade. During the ensuing years, he served as athletic director, football coach, basketball coach, baseball coach and drivers' education teacher at three Belle Glade schools (East Lake Junior High, Lake Shore High School and Glade Central High School) until his transfer in 1971 to Lake Shore Middle School as Dean of Boys. In 1978 he was promoted to Assistant Principal. In 1982, the School Board suspended respondent on charges of "misconduct and immorality arising out of improper sexual advances made by [him] toward female students at Lake Shore Middle School during the 1981-82 school years." After an evidentiary hearing on October 25-26, 1982, the School Board, by mixed vote, found him guilty of the charges, cancelled his continuing contract (tenure), and terminated his employment. The Department seeks to revoke or otherwise discipline respondent's Teaching Certificate on charges substantially the same as those brought (and sustained) by the School Board. Prior to the complained of conduct, respondent had an unblemished school employment record. By all accounts he was gregarious and outgoing, a competent, caring, and dedicated teacher and administrator. He was popular with students, respected by faculty, relied on by school administrators, and generally considered a "pillar of the community." He had been raised in Belle Glade. Unlike most county school teachers in Belle Glade, who taught there but lived elsewhere, he considered Belle Glade his home. Improper Sexual Remarks or Sexual Advances Toward Female Students Count I: Advances toward T. E. T. E. was 14 years old and a student at Lake Shore Middle School, where respondent was Assistant Principal. On May 17, 1982, she entered his office and asked for a lunch ticket. He could not find an extra lunch ticket in this office so he told her to accompany him to the data processing office where lunch tickets were kept. She complied and they walked together to data processing. He unlocked the door, turned on the lights, and they went in. They both looked around the office, but could not find the lunch tickets. Respondent then told her to return with him to his office and he would give her a temporary lunch pass. As they reached the door of the data processing office, he turned off the lights, put his arm around her shoulder, and asked her for a kiss. She refused. He asked her again, and she again refused. During this exchange he reached down and touched her breast. She felt his touch and was afraid; he was not restraining her though, and she did not think he would try to hold her against her will. They then left data processing. He returned to his office and she began walking to her class. He came back out of his office and told her not to tell anyone about the incident. She agreed. A little later, he found a lunch ticket and gave it to her. Enroute to her class, she began to cry. A student friend asked her what was wrong. T. E. wrote her a note, explaining what had happened. The friend told a teacher, who--along with others--told her to tell her parents. When T. E. arrived home that afternoon, respondent was talking to her grandmother. She heard him say that T. E. had misunderstood something he had done, or said. At 8:15 a.m. the next morning, May 18, 1982, respondent reported to Principal Edward Foley's office for his routine duties. As they were conducting an inspection, respondent asked to see him when they returned to the office, stating he had a "serious problem" to discuss with him. He then told Principal Foley that he (respondent) was being "accused of feeling on a young female student," (Petitioner's Exhibit No. 1), and explained his version of the incident. He did not tell the principal that he had twice asked the student for a kiss, and had touched her breast. He said that he had put his arm around her shoulder as they left date processing. Later that day, a conference on the incident was held in the principal's office. The principal, an assistant principal, respondent, T. E., T. E.'s mother and grandmother, and several teachers were present. Shortly after the conference convened, respondent asked for and was given permission to talk to T. E.'s mother and grandmother in a separate office. Once there, respondent told T. E.'s mother that he thought he had done something to upset T. E.; that he was sorry; and that he could understand how the mother felt because he would feel the same if T. E. was his child. He then asked T. E.'s mother to have her daughter say that she made a mistake and that it was simply a misunderstanding. The mother refused. During this short discussion, T. E.'s mother asked him if he had asked T. E. for a kiss: he said, "yes." When asked, "Did you touch her breast?", he replied, "I might have. But . . . I'm sorry, I didn't hurt your daughter." (TR-112) 2/ Count II: Improper Sexual Remarks to C. D. C. D. was a 14 year old female student at Lake Shore Middle School during the 1981-82 school year. On one occasion during that school year, respondent approached her (during school hours) when she was walking to the school cafeteria. He told her she "had big breasts and he wanted to feel one." (TR-33) Count III: Sexual Advances toward C. C. C. C. was a 15 year old female student at Lake Shore Middle School during the 1981-82 school year. On one occasion during that school year, as she was leaving the campus (though still on school grounds) at the end of the school day, respondent, who was walking with her, put his arms around her and asked her for a kiss. Count IV: Improper Sexual Remarks to C. S. C. S. was a 14 or 15 year old female student at Lake Shore Middle School during the 1981-82 school year, when respondent approached her as she was leaving the gym. He remarked, "You have some big breasts." (TR-57) She kept walking. Earlier that year, respondent asked her, "Do you wish things wasn't (sic) the way they are." This remark had, and was intended to have, sexual connotations. (TR-56) Later that school year, respondent, while on campus and during school hours, approached C. S. and asked her "to come in his office and give him a kiss." (TR-57) She left, without complying with his request. Conflicts Resolved Against Respondent Respondent denied having made these improper verbal remarks to, or physical sexual advances toward the four female students. The students' testimony, although containing minor discrepancies, is accepted as more credible than respondent's denial, and conflicts in the testimony are resolved against him. The students showed no hostility toward respondent and, unlike him, had not motive to falsify. Reduced Effectiveness The allegations against respondent, involving these four female students, received widespread notoriety in the area. As a result, his effectiveness as an employee of the School Board has been seriously reduced.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing, it is RECOMMENDED that respondent's teaching certificate be revoked, and that he be declared ineligible for reapplication for three years following revocation. DONE AND ENTERED this 6th day of August 1984 in Tallahassee, Florida. R. L. CALEEN, JR. Hearing Officer Division of Administrative Hearings The Oakland Building 2009 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-1550 (904) 488-9675 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 6th day of August 1984.
