The Issue The issue in this case is whether the Respondent's corrections officer license should be disciplined.
Findings Of Fact The Respondent was certified as a corrections officer by the Commission in Corrections on July 1, 1981. She was issued certificate number 61024. On February 22 and 23, 1996, Bart Knowles, Mark Islar, and Kelly Mims were law enforcement officers assigned to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) under the Eighth Circuit State Attorney's Office. The SIU was a narcotics enforcement unit consisting of members of the six counties within the Eighth Circuit, under the supervision of the State Attorney. The SIU collectively enforced narcotics violations under state statutes. The SIU received a call from the Inspector General's office of the Department of Corrections. The SIU was asked to investigate allegations of an individual selling narcotics to an inmate. The allegations were that narcotics were being sold from a residence located at 240 Redwood Drive. The residence is located on the prison grounds of the Union Correctional Institution. The individuals residing at the residence were identified as Respondent and Robert Stoutamire, Respondent's boyfriend. On February 22, 1996, Agents Knowles, Islar, and Mims met with Inspector Hayes of the Department of Corrections Inspector General's Office. Inspector Hayes indicated to the agents that an inmate had admitted that when he was cleaning the grounds of the institution, he would go to the Respondent's residence for the purpose of purchasing cannabis from Mr. Stoutamire. The agents provided the inmate with a wire transmitting device, searched the individual, and allowed the inmate to approach the Respondent's residence, contact Mr. Stoutamire, and attempt to purchase cannabis. The inmate owed Mr. Stoutamire $80 from a previous purchase, so the agents gave the inmate $100 for the prior debt, plus $20 to purchase more cannabis. The inmate contacted Mr. Stoutamire at the residence, who stated that he would have the additional cannabis for the inmate on the following day. On February 23, 1996, Agents Knowles, Islar, and Mims re-initiated the investigation at Respondent's residence. The agents, along with Inspector Hayes, re-briefed the inmate about how they wanted him to proceed at the residence. The agents searched the inmate to ensure that he wasn't hiding any narcotics, placed an audio-transmitting device on his person, and then dropped him off near the Respondent's residence. The inmate was given a verbal signal to indicate to the agents that the transaction was complete. The inmate proceeded to the residence, and tapped on the window of the back door. Mr. Stoutamire met with the inmate at the rear of the residence and gave the inmate a small plastic baggy containing cannabis. When the inmate gave the verbal signal indicating that he had the narcotics in hand, the agents, who were positioned near the rear of the residence, approached the individuals. Agent Knowles ordered both the inmate and Mr. Stoutamire to lie on the ground. The agents retrieved a green leafy substance that appeared to be cannabis lying on the ground next to Mr. Stoutamire. One of the Inspectors from the Department of Corrections left to pick up the Respondent, who was in a class at the prison firing range. The agents wished to search for more evidence of narcotics in the residence and in Respondent's vehicle. When the Respondent arrived at the residence, Agent Islar explained to her that Mr. Stoutamire had been arrested, and that the agents had reason to believe that there were narcotics inside her residence and vehicle. Agent Islar requested the Respondent's consent to search her residence and her vehicle. Agent Islar presented the Respondent with a Consent to Search form, and fully explained the form to her. Respondent voluntarily consented to a search of her residence and vehicle. Respondent told the agents that her car was at the prison firing range. She gave them her car keys. Respondent testified that Mr. Stoutamire had dropped the car off at the firing range earlier that morning because he had had Respondent's vehicle for the last three days prior to this incident. She testified that Mr. Stoutamire and his friends had been driving her car around for the last three days, smoking marijuana in it and partying in it. Respondent also testified that she had not seen her car or purse during that three-day time. However, the evidence shows that Mr. Stoutamire was not driving around in her vehicle smoking cannabis, but was at home when the inmate went by her residence twice during that three-day time frame. Respondent’s testimony on this point is not credible. Agent Knowles proceeded to the firing range where he found the Respondent's vehicle. Inspector Hayes unlocked the vehicle with the Respondent's keys. Agent Knowles found the Respondent's purse in the vehicle. Agent Knowles verified that it was the Respondent's purse by locating her driver's license, other forms of identification of the Respondent, and papers with the Respondent's name on them in the purse. The purse contained a silky lining that was torn inside towards the top of the purse. At the hearing, Respondent acknowledged the purse in the car was her purse. Agent Knowles pulled back the lining, and discovered what he immediately identified as cannabis in the purse. Agent Knowles also discovered rolling papers in the compartment next to the cannabis. Agent Knowles has seen cannabis over two hundred times prior to this day. The substance found in the purse looked and smelled the same as the cannabis he had seen previously. Agent Knowles found several cannabis roaches located in the front passenger-side ashtray of the vehicle. Throughout the front floorboard of the vehicle, Agent Knowles discovered cannabis residue. Agent Knowles described the residue as very small leafy, green pieces of cannabis. Agent Knowles received 40 hours of training from the Institute for Police Training (IPTM) in narcotics investigation and identification, which included instruction in the use of the Valtox narcotics testing kit. Agent Knowles also attended an 80- hour course from the Drug Enforcement Agency, which also included instruction of the use of the Valtox narcotics testing kit. Agent Knowles has used the Valtox testing kit over 200 times, and has never had a positive test refuted by later chemical analysis. Agent Knowles field tested the cannabis found in the Respondent's purse, which tested positive. Inspector Hayes and Agent Knowles secured the vehicle, and returned to the residence. Agent Mims took part in the search of the Respondent's residence. The agents found several small baggies commonly used for narcotics. Some of the baggies contained residue of controlled substances, and some did not. The agents also found an ashtray containing residue of controlled substances in it. The baggies and ashtray were found in the bedroom that the Respondent and Mr. Stoutamire shared. The baggies and ashtray were found on top of and inside of a dresser in the bedroom. Baggies were found in at least two dresser drawers. One drawer contained female clothing. However, there were at least three dressers in Respondent's bedroom one of which contained here daughter's clothing. The evidence was not clear as to which dresser the cannabis was found in. The agents also found narcotics paraphernalia in the living room area, which included a plastic tube with suspected cocaine powder residue in it, and three plastic baggies containing narcotics residue in them. Respondent knew Mr. Stoutamire smoked marijuana. Respondent's claim of no knowledge of the presence of marijuana in her car and home is not credible since she knew of Mr. Stoutamire's continued use of marijuana and, as the evidence shows lived in the midst of his drug use in her home. Moreover, at all times Respondent was capable of removing the illegal drugs from her home and the prison grounds by preventing Mr. Stoutamire from living there. In short, Respondent knowingly permitted Mr. Stoutamire to introduce illegal drugs onto Union Correctional grounds, a serious offense and lack of the moral character required for correctional officers. Therefore, Respondent’s license should be disciplined. In Respondent’s favor she has been a corrections officer for seventeen years and has not been the subject of any license discipline during that time.
Recommendation Based upon the findings of fact and conclusions of law, it RECOMMENDED: That Respondent be found guilty of failure to maintain good moral character, as required by Subsection 943.13(7), Florida Statutes, and that Respondent's certifications be revoked. DONE AND ENTERED this 29th day of October, 1998, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. DIANE CLEAVINGER 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 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 29th day of October, 1998. COPIES FURNISHED: Richard D. Courtemanche, Jr., Esquire Department of Law Enforcement Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302 Harriett A. Cummings A. Leon Lowry, II, Director Division of Criminal Justice Standards and Training Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302 Michael Ramage, General Counsel Department of Law Enforcement Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302
The Issue Whether Respondent may be disciplined for failure to maintain the qualifications established by Section 943.13(7), Florida Statutes, which require that a Correctional Officer and Correctional Probation Officer have good moral character. Respondent is charged with violating Section 893.13(1) and/or 893.13(6), or any lesser included offenses. See Section 943.1395(6) and/or (7), Florida Statutes, and Rule 11B-27.0011(4)(a), Florida Administrative Code.
Findings Of Fact Respondent is a certified Correctional and Correctional Probation Officer in the State of Florida. She has been employed in her field for fourteen and a half years, and lost her job as a result of the following events. On October 19, 2000, a search warrant was served at 1530 Northeast 3rd Avenue, Gainesville, Florida, a residence Respondent shared with her husband and two minor children. Upon search of Respondent's residence, law enforcement personnel discovered a marijuana "indoor grow operation," comprised of approximately 52 plants. Some plants were as much as five feet tall. Processed marijuana and marijuana being processed were also present. Law enforcement officers estimated the total street value of the marijuana confiscated to be approximately $53,000.00. This indoor-grow operation involved special apparatuses for lights, heat lamps, air conditioning, watering, fertilizing, and drying the marijuana in a utility room off the carport and special air conditioning and drying apparatuses in the back yard. Magazines on growing marijuana were located elsewhere in the house. The smell of processed marijuana permeated other parts of the house besides the utility room, which had limited access. The heat lamps in the grow room raised the temperature in the house. As a result of the search of Respondent's residence, Respondent was arrested for violating Section 893.13, Florida Statutes' prohibition against the cultivation of cannabis, the technical name for marijuana. Carol Ann Starling had worked with Respondent for approximately two and one-half years as a team member of a drug interdiction team with the Department of Corrections. Among Ms. Starling's and Respondent's responsibilities were entering correctional facilities unannounced, searching (including vacuuming the clothing of) inmates and placing suspected drugs in an assay machine. The team members then read the assay machine printouts to determine what type of drug had been discovered. Respondent and Ms. Starling specifically tested materials to locate or verify the existence of marijuana at the Dade Correctional Institution. Under these circumstances, Respondent's denial of knowledge of the marijuana grow operation in her residence is not deemed credible. Respondent was criminally charged with (1) manufacturing cannabis and (2) possession of more than 20 grams of cannabis. Each of these offenses constitutes a felony, pursuant to Section 893.13, Florida Statutes.1 Both charges were dismissed by a nolle/no information, due to "appropriate administrative action deemed sufficient in lieu of prosecution."
Recommendation Upon the foregoing findings of fact and conclusions of law, it is
Findings Of Fact At all times material hereto, Petitioners were inmates incarcerated at Union Correctional Institution in Raiford, Florida. Respondent has stipulated that Petitioners have "standing" to challenge the rules and the policy and procedure directives which are the subject of this proceeding. At the time the petition in this cause was filed, Petitioners challenged the validity of Rule 33-3.081, Florida Administrative Code, as it existed as of its latest revision on May 22, 1981. However, subsequent to the filing of the petition in this cause, and prior to the date of final hearing, Respondent amended Rule 33-3.081, and filed these amendments with the office of the Secretary of State on June 23, 1983. At final hearing in this cause, the parties stipulated to the Petitioners maintaining a challenge to newly amended Rule 33-3.081(4), (5), and (9)(a) and (d), Florida Administrative Code. On or about November 30, 1979, the Secretary of the Department of Corrections issued Policy and Procedure Directive No. 4.07.11, which was subsequently revised on June 14, 1981. This directive contains 13 separately titled sections. The first section, entitled Authority, simply lists the authority, both statutory and rule-based, for issuance of the directive. Section three contains definitions which, with a single exception not relevant here, are identical to those contained in Rule 33-3.081(2). Sections four through thirteen likewise recapitulate provisions contained in Respondent's rules or in relevant statutes. The following is a list of titles of sections four through thirteen, each of which is followed with a parenthetical reference of the rule provision substantially incorporated therein: Staff Selection (33- 3.081(10)); Basis for Placement (33-3.081(1)); Placement (33-3.081(4)); Protection Cases (33-3.082); Visiting (33-3.081 (5)); Gain Time (33-11.11 and Section 944.28, Florida Statutes); Review of Administrative Confinement (33- 3.081(6)); Self-Improvement Programs (33-081(7)); Facilities (33-3.081(8)); General Provisions (33-3.081(9)(a)-(k)). Sections 13(l) and (m) of the policy and procedure directive essentially reiterate the provisions of Rule 33-3.081(6) and 33-3.081 (11) , respectively. On or about June 14, 1981, the Secretary of the Department of Corrections issued Policy and Procedure Directive No. 4.07.20, entitled "Discipline." This directive which purportedly issued pursuant to the authority contained in Sections 944.09, 944.14, 944.15, 944.28 and 945.21, Florida Statutes, and Chapter 33-3.08, Florida Administrative Code. In fact, each of the 20 separately numbered portions of this directive substantially recapitulate requirements already contained in Rule 33-3.08, Florida Administrative Code. The single exception is Section 7 of the directive, entitled Administrative Confinement, which finds its support in Rule 33-3.081. Neither Policy and Procedure Directive 4.07.11 nor Policy and Procedure Directive 4.07.20 purport to create or otherwise adversely affect rights of inmates in any manner which differs from corresponding provisions of Rules 33- 3.081, 33-3.08 or the provisions of the Florida Statutes cited as authority for issuance of the policy and procedure directive. Rather, the rights of inmates are specifically determinable pursuant to those cited statutory provisions and the requirements of Rules 33-3.081 and 33-3.08, and the challenged policy and procedure directives simply recapitulate the requirements contained therein.
The Issue The issues are whether Respondent has failed to maintain the qualifications established in Section 943.13(7), Florida Statutes, which require that a correctional officer have good moral character, and if not, what discipline should be imposed.
Findings Of Fact The Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (CJSTC) certified Respondent as a correctional officer on September 24, 1995. The CJSTC issued Respondent Correctional Certificate No. 159769. Gulf Correctional Institution (GCI) employed Respondent as a correctional officer on August 18, 1995. GCI terminated Respondent's employment on September 2, 1997. Respondent's maiden name is "Manley." Cheryl Manley and Cynthia Manley are Respondent's sisters. At all times material here, Petitioner lived at 1909-A Mack Lewis Drive, Panama City, Florida. At all times material here, Alan Belsky was an inmate at Gulf Correctional Institution. Inmate Belsky was acquainted with Respondent as a correctional officer but did not know her sisters. In late June 1997 or early July 1997, Respondent agreed to sell Inmate Belsky some marijuana. Respondent made this agreement while she was on duty as a correctional officer at GCI. She directed Inmate Belsky to have the money for the marijuana sent to Cheryl Manley using a Western Union Money Transfer with the proceeds in the amount of $50 to be picked up at a Winn Dixie store in Panama City, Florida. Subsequently, Inmate Belsky requested his grandmother, Ester Belsky from Halendale, Florida, to send $50 to Cheryl Manley as directed. Inmate Belsky told his grandmother that the money would cover his gambling debts. Using a Western Union Money Transfer, Ms. Belsky sent the money to Cheryl Manley on July 13, 1997. Thereafter, Respondent personally delivered a quarter gram of marijuana to Inmate Belsky. Respondent agreed to sell Inmate Belsky some marijuana a second time. She directed Inmate Belsky to send $100 to Cynthia Manley at 1909-A Mack Lewis Drive, Panama City, Florida. Inmate Belsky again told his grandmother that he needed money to pay gambling debts. Inmate Belsky asked his grandmother to send $100 to Cynthia Manley at 1909-A Mack Lewis Drive, Panama City, Florida. Ms. Belsky sent Cynthia Manley a personal check dated August 1, 1997, in the amount of $100. Respondent admits that she endorsed the check under the signature of Cynthia Manley. Respondent's testimony that she only endorsed the check because her sister did not have a checking account at the bank is not credible. After receiving the check for $100, Respondent used another inmate as a go-between to deliver the marijuana to Inmate Belsky. Sometime thereafter, GCI gave Inmate Belsky a urine test for controlled substances. Inmate Belsky tested positive for marijuana use. The money that Ms. Belsky sent to Respondent's sisters was compensation for Respondent's delivery of marijuana to Inmate Belsky on two occasions. Therefore, Respondent received unlawful compensation while acting in her official capacity as a public servant.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED: That CJSTC enter a final order revoking Respondent's certification. DONE AND ENTERED this 21st day of September, 2001, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. SUZANNE F. HOOD 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 21st day of September, 2001.
The Issue The issue is whether Respondent is guilty of introducing or possessing contraband on the grounds of a state correctional institution, and if so, what penalty should be imposed.
Findings Of Fact Petitioner certified Respondent as a correctional officer on October 24, 1995. Respondent holds correctional certificate number 159550. At all times material to this proceeding, Respondent was employed as a correctional officer at the Bay Correctional Facility, a state correctional institution. During her employment, Respondent had contact with Zachary Richards, an inmate at Bay Correctional Facility. On August 23, 1996, Captain Ronnie Holland spoke to Inmate Richards regarding a complaint that Inmate Richards had made disrespectful remarks about an official. In order to avoid a disciplinary report for disrespecting the official, Inmate Richards gave Captain Holland a brown paper bag on which a personal letter had been written. Inmate Richards indicated that Respondent wrote the personal letter and gave it to him. Captain Holland gave the brown paper bag to Inspector Chris Hubbard along with his report. Inspector Hubbard interviewed Inmate Richards who claimed that he and Respondent had been writing letters to each other for some time. Inmate Richards signed a sworn affidavit in support of his claim that he received the letter written on the brown paper bag from Respondent. Inspector Hubbard interviewed Respondent who denied any knowledge concerning the letter on the brown paper bag. Inspector Hubbard obtained Respondent's known handwriting samples from the portion of the master control log which she maintained during her employment. He submitted these samples along with the brown paper bag to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement laboratory for comparison. Donald G. Pribbenow is a forensic document examiner employed by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement at the Pensacola Regional Crime Laboratory. He is an expert with 17 and 1/2 years of experience in comparing handwriting samples to determine their authorship. Mr. Pribbenow examined the writing on the brown paper bag and compared it to Respondent's known handwriting samples. Mr. Pribbenow determined that the person who wrote the submitted known writings was the same person who wrote the questioned writing on the brown paper bag. The result of Mr. Pribbenow's examination is persuasive evidence that Respondent wrote the letter to Inmate Richards on the brown paper bag. On September 16, 1996, Respondent was terminated from Bay Correctional Facility for being involved in an improper relationship.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is recommended that Petitioner enter a Final Order suspending Respondent's certification as a correctional officer for a period not to exceed two years. RECOMMENDED this 31st day of December, 1997, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. SUZANNE F. HOOD 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 Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 31st day of December, 1997. COPIES FURNISHED: A. Leon Lowry, II, Director Division of Criminal Justice Standards and Training Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302 Michael Ramage, Esquire Department of Law Enforcement Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302 Karen D. Simmons, Esquire Department of Law Enforcement Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302 Lori DeFisher 4123 West 21st Street Panama City, Florida 32405
The Issue The issue to be determined is whether Respondent is guilty of violating Sections 943.1395(7) and 943.13(7), Florida Statutes (2007), and Florida Administrative Code Rule 11B-27.0011, as alleged in the Administrative Complaint, and if so, what penalties should be imposed?
Findings Of Fact At all times material to these proceedings, Respondent was certified by Petitioner as a correctional officer, and issued certificate number 183026. On June 25, 2008, Respondent was a passenger in a vehicle that he owned but that was driven by his son, James Donaldson. The car was pulled over by Officer Paul King of the Starke Police Department because its brake lights were not working. Officer King explained to the driver the reason for the stop. Officer King smelled what he recognized to be burnt cannabis coming from inside the vehicle. He asked both occupants if they had any marijuana in the vehicle, and both men denied having any. Officer King asked James Donaldson to exit the vehicle. Upon searching his person, Officer King found in a pocket of James' trousers a plastic bag containing less than 20 grams of cannabis. He also seized a package of cigarette rolling papers, of a type commonly used to roll marijuana, from the seat of the car. James Donaldson identified the rolling papers as belonging to him. At that point, Officer King arrested James Donaldson, and placed him in handcuffs. Officer King then asked Respondent to exit the car, and asked him if he had anything on his person. Respondent stated that he had marijuana. A search revealed that in his right-front shorts pocket, there was a silver metal grinder with marijuana residue. In Respondent's left-front shorts pocket, Officer King found a clear plastic baggy containing a green leafy substance, less than 20 grams, along with a package of rolling papers. The metal grinder was of type commonly used to prepare cannabis for smoking, and was approximately the size of a chewing tobacco can. Officer King used a field test kit to test the specimens taken from both men. Both tested positive for cannabis. Officer King then arrested Respondent for possession of cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia. Respondent did not deny having the marijuana or the metal grinder on his person. However, he claimed that both were hidden within a pack of cigarettes that belonged to his son, but that he had picked up the pack and put it in his shirt front pocket at his son's request. He claimed that he did not smell the marijuana because he has difficulty smelling anything. Respondent's claim is not credible. Even assuming that the metal grinder and the baggie of marijuana would fit in a cigarette package, it is not believable that Respondent would pick up a cigarette package containing such an implement and not realize the cigarette package contained something other than cigarettes. Officer King's testimony that he did not confiscate a cigarette package, on the other hand, was clear, straightforward and candid.
Recommendation Upon consideration of the facts found and conclusions of law reached, it is RECOMMENDED that the Commission enter a Final Order finding that Respondent has violated Section 943.13(7), Florida Statutes (2007), and revoking his certification. DONE AND ENTERED this 31st day of December, 2009, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. S LISA SHEARER NELSON Administrative Law Judge Division of Administrative Hearings The DeSoto Building 1230 Apalachee Parkway Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3060 (850) 488-9675 Fax Filing (850) 921-6847 www.doah.state.fl.us Filed with the Clerk of the Division of Administrative Hearings this 31st day of December, 2009. COPIES FURNISHED: Joseph S. White, Esquire Department of Law Enforcement Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302 Harry J. Donaldson Michael Ramage, General Counsel Department of Law Enforcement Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302 Michael Crews, Program Director Division of Criminal Justice Professionalism Services Department of Law Enforcement Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302
The Issue The issue to be resolved in this proceeding concerns whether the Respondent committed the violations charged in the Administrative Complaint, involving possessing and introducing onto the grounds of a state correctional institution, certain controlled substances and, if so, what if any penalty is warranted.
Findings Of Fact The Respondent, Erlene Stewart, has been employed as a correctional officer at Union Correctional Institution (UCI). She was so employed on February 1, 1999, and had been employed there for almost five years at that time. The Respondent was working on Saturday, January 30, 1999. On that day, officers at UCI examined employees coming to work by conducting an "Ion Scan" of employees to attempt to detect any drug or drug residues on or about their persons when they entered the institution to go on duty. The Respondent was subjected to such an Ion Scan and successfully passed it. Thus, she was aware that a drug detection effort was being conducted on Saturday, January 30, 1999, at UCI. February 1, 1999, was the Monday after that Saturday. The Respondent was working that day in tower number five of UCI. She had driven to work that day in the black Pontiac Grand Am in question, which is registered in her name. She was working on the 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., shift on that Monday. It was very unusual for a drug detection operation to be conducted on that Monday, immediately succeeding the Ion Scan drug detection operation which had been conducted on Saturday, two days before. Such a drug detection operation was conducted in the parking lot of UCI on Monday, February 1, 1999, however, using a drug detection dog. It was very unusual for a drug detection dog to be used so soon after an Ion Scan drug detection operation and also unusual for the dog to be used at 12:30 in the afternoon. The Respondent was surprised to find that a drug detection dog was being used in the parking lot of UCI on February 1, 1999. When the Respondent came to work on that day she locked her car leaving the windows slightly cracked and went inside to go on duty. Later that day, at approximately 12:30 p.m., a drug detection dog, handled by Sergeant Box of UCI, was examining vehicles in the parking lot and "alerted" to the presence or odor of narcotics inside or on the Respondent's vehicle. The dog had been trained and certified to be capable of passively alerting to the odors of four narcotics: marijuana, powdered cocaine, crack cocaine and heroin. After the dog alerted to the presence of contraband drugs in or on the Respondent's vehicle, the Respondent, who was then working in tower number five, was relieved of duty and summoned to her vehicle in the parking lot on the grounds of UCI. When she arrived in the vicinity of her vehicle, she was informed that a drug detection dog had alerted to her vehicle. She provided a written consent, to the officers present, to a search of her vehicle. The Respondent had to unlock her vehicle in order for the drug detection officers to begin their search of its interior. Upon gaining access to the interior of the Respondent's vehicle, Sergeant Mobley of Hamilton Correctional Institution, discovered an aluminum foil package containing a white powder suspected to be cocaine, on the passenger's side of her vehicle. Sergeant Mobley turned that package over to the custody of Inspector Bailey. Sergeant Dugger found what appeared to be marijuana on the driver's side of the Respondent's vehicle. Prior to his entry into the vehicle, Sergeant Dugger and Inspector Bailey had observed through the window what appeared to be marijuana and marijuana seeds on and about the driver's seat. The Respondent is familiar with the appearance of marijuana and cocaine. Moreover, she is aware that cocaine is commonly wrapped in aluminum foil. Her former husband had been known to use cocaine according to the Respondent's testimony. Inspector Bailey took custody of the suspected cocaine and marijuana and conducted two tests on both substances. The results of his field test and Ion Scan test were positive for marijuana and cocaine. The evidence was then turned over to Inspector Yaw who conducted another Ion Scan test on the white powder confirming it as cocaine. Sergeant Dale Pfalzgraf of the Union County Sheriff's Office, was summoned to UCI on that day, after the suspected drugs were located in the Respondent's vehicle. Inspector Yaw turned over to him a sealed plastic bag containing what appeared to be marijuana and a tin-foil package of what appeared to be cocaine. Deputy Pfalzgraf placed the Respondent under arrest and transported her and the evidence to the Sheriff's office. He placed the evidence into a secure locker with the evidence custodian, pending its transportation to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) laboratory. Deputy Tomlinson of the Union County Sheriff's Office was given the evidence that was seized from the Respondent's vehicle by the evidence custodian and transported it to the FDLE laboratory in Jacksonville, Florida, for testing. At the FDLE laboratory, Allison Harms received the evidence from Deputy Tomlinson. The evidence bag remained sealed until testing was performed by Ms. Somera, the FDLE chemistry analyst. Ms. Somera tested the substances contained within the bag and positively identified them as cannibis and cocaine. The Respondent maintains in her testimony that her former husband had access to her vehicle and had used it in the last several days with some of his friends. She contends that he is a known illicit drug user (cocaine). She also states that she left the windows to her car slightly cracked for ventilation when she parked it in the parking lot on the day in question to go to work. She states, in essence, that either the illicit drug materials found in her car were placed there without her knowledge by her former husband or his friends or, alternatively, that the correctional officers involved in the investigation planted the drug materials in her car in order to remove her from employment and/or licensure as retaliation for past employment-related friction she states she had with prison authorities. She also contends that another prison employee told her in private that she was being "framed" but that that person refused to testify on her behalf because of fear of potential loss of his job. In any event, her self-serving testimony is not corroborated by any other witness or exhibit and is not credited.
Recommendation Having considered the foregoing Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law, the evidence of record and the candor and demeanor of the witnesses, and the pleadings and arguments of the parties, it is, therefore, RECOMMENDED: That the Respondent be found guilty of failure to maintain good moral character as defined by the above-cited legal authority and that her certification be suspended for a period of two years. DONE AND ENTERED this 2nd day of April, 2001, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. P. MICHAEL RUFF 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 2nd day of April, 2001. COPIES FURNISHED: Gabrielle Taylor, Esquire Florida Department of Law Enforcement Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302-1489 Erlene Stewart Route 1, Box 52 Sanderson, Florida 32087 A. Leon Lowry, II Program Director Division of Criminal Justice Professionalism Services Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302 Michael Ramage, General Counsel Department of Law Enforcement Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302
The Issue Whether Respondent may be disciplined for failure to maintain the qualifications established by Subsection 943.13(7), Florida Statutes, which requires that a correctional officer have good moral character.
Findings Of Fact Based on the oral and documentary evidence presented at the final hearing, the following findings of fact are made: Respondent, Kalangie J. Serrano, is a state certified correctional officer holding certificate No. 186788. In the early morning hours of February 9, 2002, Respondent was observed by Orlando Police Department Officer Jonathan Cute sitting in the driver's seat of Respondent's automobile. As Officer Cute approached the vehicle, he smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and observed smoke in the passenger compartment of the automobile. As Officer Cute approached the vehicle, he noticed Respondent place something onto the center console of the vehicle. As Respondent exited the vehicle at Officer Cute's request, Officer Cute observed and smelled a cloud of marijuana smoke in the interior of the vehicle and determined that the object placed on the vehicle's console was a red metal pipe typical, in his experience, of the type of pipe used for smoking marijuana. Noting the presence of a burning residue in the pipe and suspecting it to be marijuana, Officer Cute performed a field test on the substance which tested positive determining that the substance was cannabis. Officer Cute arrested Respondent and charged him with possession of less than 20 grams of cannabis and possession of drug paraphernalia. No admissible evidence was received as to any determination of the charges filed against Respondent.
Recommendation Based on the foregoing Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law, it is RECOMMENDED that Petitioner, Department of Law Enforcement Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission, enter a final order finding that Respondent, Kalangie J. Serrano, violated Subsection 893.147(1), Florida Statutes, and, as a result, failed to demonstrate good moral character as required by Subsection 943.13(7), Florida Statutes, and that he be placed on probation for two years, be required to submit to drug testing, be enrolled in drug prevention education, and such other associated penalties as Petitioner deems appropriate. DONE AND ENTERED this 19th day of June, 2003, in Tallahassee, Leon County, Florida. JEFF B. CLARK 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 19th day of June, 2003. COPIES FURNISHED: Linton B. Eason, Esquire Department of Law Enforcement Post Office Box 1489 Tallahassee, Florida 32302 Kalangie J. Serrano 4340 Lauren Lane Titusville, Florida 32780 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
