In some ways, the allegations in Miami Gardens defy belief. The 53-year-old police chief in the town just a few miles north of us was arrested for soliciting a prostitute (two prostitutes, actually). A TV station reports that the news of the arrest stunned officers on the force.
They were even more taken aback by news that the interim police chief is an officer also accused of wrongdoing. “It would be wrong anywhere to hear that your boss was arrested for prostitution and that the guy who is replacing him has a history of sexual harassment,” an anonymous officer told the station. “Are these people for real?”
You might recall that several years ago, the now-interim chief was accused of sexual harassment by a crime scene technician. However, during the investigation of her allegations, text messages about marijuana were discovered on her phone, forcing her out of her job. The now-interim chief was at the time demoted, a TV station reports, but he has obviously been able to work his way back into the good graces of the city.
You might also recall that Miami Gardens’ very first police chief (the police department is just seven years old) resigned after the NAACP said there were possible civil rights violations at the department.
It’s worth noting that the new interim chief is a fraternity brother of the city’s mayor — both have faced sexual harassment charges in the course of their careers. The City Manager carries similar baggage; he resigned his Hollywood city managerial position with sexual harassment charges on a long list of alleged improprieties.
What should you do if you face unwanted advances, groping or inappropriate comments in the workplace? Discuss the circumstances and evidence with an experienced employment law attorney who can assess your legal options and help you pursue compensation for damages.