BARTOW, FL — The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating whether any criminal activity occurred involving former Bartow Police Chief Stephen Walker following his resignation last month, according to the City of Bartow.
The city said the Sheriff’s Office contacted City Manager Mike Herr within an hour of Walker’s resignation and indicated its intent to conduct its own investigation into whether any criminal activity had occurred. That investigation remains pending.
While the Sheriff’s Office investigation has been underway, Herr, Assistant City Manager Tray Towles and City Attorney Parker have conducted an administrative and legal review of the matter. That process included meetings with representatives from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement on Aug. 26.
Walker resigned on Aug. 14, but the circumstances surrounding his resignation did not become public until the city released a statement on Aug. 28. The city said that because of the sensitive nature of the complaint and in compliance with Florida statutes regarding pending investigations, officials exercised an “abundance of caution” to protect the privacy and identities of affected employees and ensure that any information released was factual and appropriate.
Following its administrative and legal review, and due to the nature of the alleged offenses, Herr launched an Internal Affairs investigation, IA Case #26-05, on Aug. 28.
The Sheriff’s Office investigation into possible criminal activity is separate from the city’s Internal Affairs investigation.
Deputy Chief Kyle Dowdy is currently serving as the officer in charge of the Bartow Police Department. The city plans to contract with Strategic Government Resources to recruit and hire a new police chief. Nothing further at this time.
SOURCE: CITY OF BARTOW
