9 Investigates: Some blame poor leadership for job loss at Winter Springs Police Department

WINTER SPRINGS, Fla. — 9 Investigates found out that one Seminole County law enforcement agency has lost more than a dozen employees since March, and some blame poor leadership.

Investigative Reporter Karla Ray went through the records to see if there was a pattern of unprofessionalism, and asked what’s being done to keep the public safe.

After nearly two decades wearing a badge as a Winter Springs Police Officer, Corporal Russell Tew was fired after admitting to having sex while on duty. He also admitted to using his handcuffs and other agency-issued equipment in the process during "sexual play."

“That person doesn't belong on the police department,” certified law enforcement expert Chuck Drago said.

Drago points out that one officer can’t define an entire agency, but 9 Investigates uncovered a pattern of instability in recent months.

We obtained three officer resignation letters pointing to leadership issues.

One officer wrote, “I do not feel comfortable with the current state and future direction of this agency.”

Another wrote, “I’ve lost all trust and confidence in the leadership.”

A third said, “I have lost faith in the leadership’s ability to provide a fair and unbiased working environment.”

“It’s a very unusual for a small agency to lose that many people in a short period of time,” Drago said.

Police Chief Kevin Brunelle said the records speak for themselves.

In all, there have been 16 resignations or terminations since March. Two officers indicated they left for other jobs in law enforcement with no ill will or bad feelings, and others left for higher pay or to join the private sector.

However, two other officers were fired, following a concurrent internal investigation, prompted by improper logging of body camera video.

After being disciplined for the logging issue, one officer wrote, “Refused. I suggest a better use of your time as supervisors,” on a discipline sheet.

Submitting that comment to the chain of command, and the creation of a fake certificate mocking the original discipline, cost both that officer and his direct supervisor their jobs.

Drago said that is an unusual reason for termination.

“Chief Brunelle has always been on top of things in the agency, but this type of issue is a big challenge for a chief,” Drago said.

Brunelle wouldn’t tell 9 Investigates whether his agency has enough officers to meet the agency’s minimum staffing levels. He did point out that mutual aid is in effect to fill any gaps.

Cox Media Group