Fort Myers Police Sergeant demoted
By
WINK News
Story Created:
Oct 3, 2008 at 5:28 PM EST
Story Updated:
Oct 3, 2008 at 6:14 PM EST
FORT MYERS, Fla. - Fort Myers Interim Police Chief, Doug Baker, says Sgt. Michael Masiero's record likely saved his job.
Masiero is a 15-year veteran with no other disciplinary action in his file, other than an accidental firing of a firearm during a SWAT exercise, said Baker.
According to the internal affairs investigation, detectives working with Masiero on a burglary case in February say he overreacted while interrogating burglary suspect, Rolex Costume.
The detectives say Masiero used foul language, hit and was even seen "choking Costume for approximately eight seconds".
On Friday, Baker announced Masiero had been demoted to officer, suspended for one month without pay and removed as SWAT Team Leader.
When he returns, Masiero will also be placed on a one year probationary period.
"I think his future lies in his hands and I told him exactly that today... how he moves forward on this and how his professional career moves forward is really dependent on his performance and his behavior and his attitude," said Chief Baker.
Baker told WINK News it's critical that Masiero's fellow detectives reported his actions, "As difficult as that was, took the steps of doing the right thing and making sure the actions were reported and we are where we are today."
Masiero had been on paid administrative leave since February.
Chief Baker says the department had to turn the case over to the State Attorney's Office to be reviewed for any criminal wrongdoing.
The SAO filed misdemeanor battery charges against him in May.
Masiero pleaded not guilty in June, however the charges were dropped after he completed a pre-trial diversion program, according to the internal affairs report.
Saturday, Oct 4 at 12:51 AM D-Bag wrote ...
Where do they come up with these names? It's amazing the Cops can restrain themselves as much as they do. They are faced with violent criminals who don't have any regard for the public's safety, and shoot at police. This is out of control! Looks like Mr. Costume has been locked up for everything from cocaine, to assault with a deadly weapon and carrying a concealed firearm. Maybe he'll think twice before he commits a crime in Lee County again.
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