MOUNT DORA, Fla. — A Mount Dora police officer resigned while under internal investigation after testing positive for cocaine, according to records obtained by Channel 9.
Officer Jeremiah Murphy became the subject of an internal affairs investigation after the department received information alleging he had used cocaine while off duty.
The investigation began after Mount Dora police were told about an incident at Flanagan’s Bar and Grill in Casselberry. According to the internal affairs report, an Orange County sheriff’s deputy relayed information from a witness who said Murphy appeared intoxicated and had what appeared to be a white powdery substance on his face. Investigators were also told Murphy was later involved in a traffic crash after leaving the bar.
Drug test confirmed cocaine
Murphy was ordered to take a reasonable-suspicion drug test on June 1.
The department’s investigation states the test was confirmed positive for cocaine. Murphy was subsequently placed on administrative leave while the investigation continued.
Investigators also said Murphy did not complete required follow-up with a medical review officer after the positive test.
The internal affairs investigation ultimately sustained allegations involving use of alcohol and illegal drugs, conformance to laws, moral character and unbecoming conduct. Investigators later added an insubordination allegation after Murphy failed to report to the police department when ordered to do so.
The report concluded that Murphy possessed and used cocaine while at Flanagan’s and that his conduct violated department standards.
Officer resigns during investigation
Murphy resigned while the internal affairs investigation was still pending.
In an Aug. 6 letter forwarding the completed investigation to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Interim Police Chief Jim Deleu wrote that Murphy’s discipline “would have been termination had he not resigned.”
Because Murphy resigned before investigators could interview him, the report says the planned interview did not take place.
The department forwarded its findings to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement’s Criminal Justice Professionalism Division for review.
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