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Wayne Saunders
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Tab 10
Orlando Sentinel - Orlando, Fla.
Mar 18, 1999
INTERNAL PROBE IS TAKING TOLL ON POLICE ONE CLERMONT OFFICER
WAS SUSPENDED AND ONE QUIT IN AN INVESTIGATION OF MISHANDLED
EVIDENCE.
Author: Rich McKay
CLERMONT - A high-ranking city police officer quit, and a patrol officer has been suspended in
the wake of an investigation into mishandled evidence, city officials said Wednesday.
Lt. Ray Simmons, an 11-year-veteran of the department, surrendered his gun and badge, and
patrolman Jerry Osteen was suspended indefinitely earlier this week, said City Manager Wayne
Saunders.
The allegation involves an illegal sawed-off shotgun that "wound up in his {Osteen's}
possession," Saunders said.
When Police Chief Randall Story was told about the shotgun, he launched an investigation.
Saunders said Simmons was a target of the investigation, but the city manager could not
elaborate on Simmons' involvement.
When Simmons was confronted as part of the investigation, he quit his job, Saunders said.
When, and if, Osteen returns to work has yet to be determined, Saunders said.
Neither Osteen nor Simmons could be reached for comment Wednesday.
Story declined comment when asked if anyone else might be disciplined in connection with the
investigation, but he did say the case is not closed.
The police chief confirmed that the misconduct involved a gun that was not placed in the
evidence room and recorded as evidence when it should have been.
Saunders said he hoped the investigation and related developments will not hurt the 24-officer
department.
"It's too early to tell," he said.
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