Sheriff Prummell Releases Statement Following Internal Affairs Investigation
Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell has issued a public statement regarding the outcome of a recent Internal Affairs investigation, which led to the withdrawal of appointments for four deputies.
“I have always said that the trust our community has in us is integral to the work we do,” Sheriff Prummell said. “Unfortunately, four individuals violated that trust recently, and when that happens, I must act. In this circumstance, I felt the only appropriate option was to withdraw their appointments as deputies of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office, as their trust had been lost.”
Sheriff Prummell emphasized the weight of the decision and the values that guide the agency’s operations.
“While this decision was not one I made lightly, our community needs to know that the men and women serving them are doing so with integrity and professionalism. If you have ever come to one of our monthly ceremonies, you know that I emphasize that these words are not just wall decorations around the agency – they are our way of life. Without integrity, you simply cannot work in law enforcement… at least not under my watch.”
The Sheriff clarified that while the incident under review did not violate agency policy, the integrity issue arose from how it was documented.
“It is important to note that the men involved were not in violation of policy as it relates to the incident itself, but rather in the documentation of what happened. There was a conscious effort to conceal the incident for no other reason than laziness, which is where the integrity issue came in and ultimately resulted in the withdrawal of appointments.”
Sheriff Prummell closed his statement by reaffirming his commitment to transparency and accountability.
“The bottom line is that we have worked very hard to earn your trust, and I vow to work just as hard to keep it.
Be strong. Be safe. And never quit!”
– Sheriff Bill Prummell
