A police chief from Ocala has been accused of multiple incidents of sexual harassment. Allegedly, the man committed the sexual harassment offenses at the funeral of a deceased fellow officer.
In one of the reported events, the police chief allegedly forced a female officer’s head to his lap while he was drunk. In another incident, he allegedly told a female officer that he would like her to date his daughter. The complaints also included incidents where the chief made comments about female officer’s breasts and made reference to lewd sexual acts.
The sexual harassment grievance was filed on behalf of three police officers. The lawyer representing the women said that her clients feel horrible, horrified and terrible because the incidents happened at the funeral of a fallen officer and they still have to call the man who sexually harassed them their boss.
Even though multiple witnesses confirmed that the incidents took place both on and off-duty, the mayor of Ocala announced that the police chief will not be suspended until after investigations have concluded. The attorney representing the women said that the chief should — at the very least — be reassigned until the investigations are complete.
No kind of sexual harassment should ever be tolerated by any worker. It doesn’t matter the place of employment is a police department, a barbershop or a convenience store. This kind of abuse is unlawful and those who have been victimized by sexual harassment can seek legal action to make it stop immediately. They may also be able to seek financial restitution for injuries and damages caused by the abuse.
Source: PINAC, “Florida Police Chief Under Investigation for Sexual Harassment While at Fallen Officer’s Funeral,” Ben Keller, Sep. 20, 2016
