FORT MYERS, Fla. — Fort Myers Police Department says Officer Jason Jackson was terminated on Monday for several charges.
This comes after an audit of the police department in 2016 revealed misconduct.
Freeh Group International Solutions performed the investigation. The audit now known as the Freeh Report noted some allegations of officers leaking information to drug dealers.
FMPD took a closer look into the findings and investigation some of their officers, including Jason Jackson.
He was placed onadministrative leave twice following concerns from the community.
He was terminated Monday on numerous charges:
- 2 charges of interfering with an internal affairs investigation
- 7 charges of associating with convicted felons
- 1 charge of maintaining a personal relationship with an active/former Confidential Informant
- 1 charge of maintaining a sexual relationship with an active/former Confidential Informant
- 1 charge of engaging in sexual contact with a former Confidential Informant
- 2 charges of failing to devote time and attention to the service of the city
"It is disappointing whenever the chief has to make that decision," Kevin Anderson, the Mayor of Fort Myers, said.
He said the police department would not tolerate misconduct within FMPS.
"The leadership does not take misbehavior or poor performance lightly," he said.
Police Chief Derrick Diggs echoed the same sentiment in a statement:
“The allegations that prompted this investigation are not representative of the men and women of the Fort Myers Police Department who risk their lives to make our city safer. This type of behavior is not tolerated at the Fort Myers Police Department. I hold our officers to the highest possible standard. We have made great strides in professionalizing the department by improving training, reaching Advanced CALEA certification, using technology to police smarter, and dramatically reduced violent crime. This behavior is from a past chapter, and we have closed the book on that era of FMPD."
Jackson is represented by the Gulf Coast Police Benevolent Association who says he was wrongfully terminated.
"We clearly believe this termination isn't supported or based on just cause," Matt Sellers, the Gulf Coast Police Benevolent Association president, said.
The plan to appeal is in motion. He said it is being processed immediately.
