Marion deputy who failed to report confiscated drugs wants job back

A Marion County deputy fired for not reporting that he confiscated drugs from some suspects is now trying to get his job back.

Former Deputy Jack Mineo had a hearing Wednesday before an appeals panel of Marion County sheriff representatives and urged them to give him a second chance and allow him to return to the Sheriff's Office.

Mineo was fired last month after Internal Affairs investigators said he obtained drugs from people and on two separate occasions did not document that he had them in his possession, nor did he properly disposed of the drugs.

Mineo was also accused of arresting and then un-arresting people. He claims he did this because he was trying to gain sources on the streets to help him track a dangerous wanted felon.

Following the internal investigation, the state attorney's office reviewed the case but decided not to file criminal charges.

During the hearing, Mineo admitted he made mistakes and that the allegations were true, but he claimed he'll do things differently.

"I regret this whole situation, and I've learned from it," he told the panel.

Mineo's attorney argued that the mistakes his client made didn't come from an evil place and that he should be allowed to return.

However, the attorney for the Sheriff's Office said that may be true, but said Mineo broke the rules and has to suffer the consequences.

In the end, Mineo learned he will not get his job back.

WFTV