SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — 9 Investigates obtained an internal report that shows a Seminole County jail supervisor lied during an excessive force investigation.
Sgt. Amy Lawshe is accused of knowingly falsifying a report to justify the violent takedown of an inmate. The case surrounds an incident where inmate David Gallagher was slammed onto a concrete floor in his cell, records show.
An internal investigation showed Lawshe lied in investigative statements about the takedown, but she was not terminated from her position.
"Some people might question the sheriff's judgment in allowing this known liar to continue her employment," WFTV legal analyst Bill Sheaffer said.
Surveillance video, that the Sheriff's Office hasn't released, apparently shows Gallagher being slammed to the ground for no clear reason.
"Because this sergeant lied, whenever she goes into court she runs the risk of her testimony being compromised," Sheaffer said.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement ordered Lawshe to undergo ethics training and suspended her police certification for 25 days. During that time, she was moved to an administrative position, records show.
"That's very wrong! I wish I could do it and keep my job," resident Roberto Claudio said.
The Seminole County Sheriff's Office wouldn't discuss Lawshe's case with Eyewitness News. She's now back working in her role as a supervisor at the Seminole County Jail.
WFTV
