Independent investigation into FMPD will focus on higher-ranking officers and possible retaliation

Top officials at the Fort Myers Police Department will be at the center of an independent investigation.

The city manager opened the door to examining whether command staff, including Chief Derrick Diggs, retaliated in any way after former Inspector General Donald Oswald asked for an internal affairs investigation into then Maj. William Newhouse.

Oswald pointed his finger at Diggs before he quit.

In his resignation letter, Oswald said: “I have endured overt retaliation and I am now being forced out of my position. … While my departure may be considered to be a voluntary one … The fact of the matter is I have been left with no other option.”

During his first sit-down interview with WINK News, Oswald hinted he has proof or retaliation against him by Diggs that will eventually become public.

David Thomas, an FGCU professor of forensic studies, said Oswald alluded to this not being the first time something like this happened between him and the chief or command staff.

Fort Myers Mayor Kevin Anderson wants to know what happened.

That’s why he and the majority of the council voted for an independent investigation into the allegations made of the police department.

“If it was inappropriate what do we do to prevent it from reoccurring,” Anderson said.

Oswald told WINK News the atmosphere at the police department was “almost intolerable.”

“I was dismissed from the chief’s office, by him yelling, you know, dismissed,” Oswald told WINK News. “I was marginalized to the point that I was never called into another meeting.”

The city could have decided to just take a look at the internal affairs investigation into Newhouse, who retired on Nov. 4 but instead is also looking at any possible retaliation.

“If it happened, it should be obvious,” Anderson said.

Anderson said it’s up to the city manager what happens next.

A Fort Myers Police Department spokesperson, “Our department does not operate in the fashion. We will allow the external investigation process to run its course.”