CLERMONT, Fla. — Clermont police Officer James Rooney is under investigation by the department for two separate reasons.
His attorney said he sees just one issue.
"I believe Officer Rooney is the subject of retaliatory targeting," attorney Derek Brett said.
Eyewitness News learned an internal affairs investigation was launched after Brett wrote Chief Charles Broadway a letter asking about Rooney's sub-par scores on performance evaluations.
"There's every reason to believe that rather than this being used to help correct a situation, my big fear is it's going to be used to further undermine my client," Brett said.
The letter claimed a sergeant with the department "purposefully lowered Rooney's scores in order to hurt [his] chances for enhanced pay and for potential promotion."
Rooney was then allegedly involved in a fight at an apartment complex, causing another internal investigation.
Claims of retaliation have been commonplace within the department, especially during the days of former chief Steve Graham.
Five officers were demoted or fired after they complained to state officials about Graham.
"This man, Officer Rooney, has been victimized throughout his tenure with Clermont police. And some of your viewers might wonder why is he still there? Because he believes in fighting for what's right," Brett said.
The department confirmed the two investigations but wouldn't elaborate.
WFTV
