Crestview police chief terminated

CRESTVIEW, Fla. (WALA) - Crestview Mayor David Cadle met with former Police Department Chief Brian Mitchell Tuesday afternoon. It was the third meeting by the two in a month, and it was their last.

"I felt he should share the responsibility of what goes on in his department. I felt that it undermined his effectiveness as a chief in the city that we should look to change the leadership of the police department," Cadle said.

Mitchell was suspended with pay after a grand jury indictment.

An investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the State Attorney's Office resulted in accusations against Mitchell's number two, Major Joseph Floyd.

The agencies found a laundry list of charges against Floyd, including intimidation of witnesses, leading up to felony racketeering charges.

"I think the legal system will take care of itself, that he'll get his day in court, and it's very important that he do that," Cadle said.

While the state attorney and FDLE went to work, Cadle conducted his own investigation into the force, interviewing the command staff and multiple officers.

But some wondered why Mitchell was still being paid for a month with all this turmoil surrounding his department.

FOX10 News asked Mayor Cadle why it took that long.

"You just have to understand that it did take me by surprise, too," Cadle said. "As I met with the officers, the situation, the problem, that I encountered was deeper than I expected, and I wanted to find out and be sure."

Cadle said his number one reason for making this decision was to try to restore the public's trust in the police department.

"They must have a degree of confidence in those police officers," Cadle said. "We have a wonderful group of officers that are working with us, but they must feel that the entire department is working efficiently, and treating everyone with fairness and objectivity."

About the same time the Chief was fired, Floyd pleaded not guilty to felony racketeering.

His trial is set to begin May 29. If convicted, Floyd could face up to 30 years behind bars.