Fired Orlando Officers Rehired
(Orlando, FL) -- A couple of Orlando police officers fired last year amid allegations of a cover up are back on the police force. Orlando police officials confirmed last night to the "Orlando Sentinel" that Officers Michael Favorit Jr. and Frederick Rolle have their badges back after arbitration. Both were fired last year in June for allegedly trying to hide evidence of a December 2015 police pursuit where neither followed proper procedures. Neither officer will receive back pay for nearly a year of missed work, but both will keep their positions within the Orlando Police Department.
Firing Of Punta Gorda Police Officer Upheld
(Punta Gorda, FL) -- A Punta Gorda policeman's firing for killing a woman during a police demonstration last year has been upheld. Punta Gorda's city manager announced yesterday that the city's human resources department determined that the firing of former cop Lee Coel is permanent. The city and its police chief blamed Coel last summer for the August shooting death of 73-year-old Mary Knowlton in what was deemed an accident. Coel was arrested and charged with negligent manslaughter in the case, and city government settled with the Knowlton family last November for two-million dollars.
Miami Federal Prosecutor Found Dead On Beach
(Hollywood, FL) -- A Miami federal prosecutor and law professor has been found dead on a beach under circumstances police call "suspicious." Hollywood Police confirmed the identity of a man found Wednesday at the Broward County beachfront as 37-year-old Miami U.S. Attorney Beranton Whisenant Jr. The cause of death is under investigation.