Ocala mayor stands behind police chief amid sexual harassment complaints

OCALA, Fla. — Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn is standing behind Ocala’s police chief, who is accused by several officers of sexual harassment and misconduct.

“On Sept. 15, we received a formal grievance against police Chief Greg Graham on the grounds of sexual harassment, hostile treatment, retaliation and discrimination,” said Guinn.

Guinn spoke about the allegations at a news conference. He said the complaints were filed by three Ocala police officers.

“I stand behind Greg Graham. We’re going to do this investigation and move on from there,” said Quinn.

Guinn said that because he trusts the chief, he’s not suspending or relieving the chief of duty during the investigation.

The attorney for the officers who filed the complaints doesn’t think that’s a good move.

“He needs to be, at minimum, reassigned during this investigation,” said Bobi Frank.

The specifics of the allegations haven’t been released.

The city and the attorney for the officers said they could not provide a copy of the grievance, but Frank described how her clients are feeling about the fact that their alleged accuser is still their boss.

“Terrible, horrified, horrible--pick a word,” Frank said.

Guinn said the chief and the officers who filed the complaints will not be able to have any contact during the investigation.

Cox Media Group