Holly Hill police sergeant demoted as part of investigation into sexual harassment

A Holly Hill police sergeant was demoted as part of an investigation into sexual harassment at the department from which the police chief and two high-ranking officers have resigned. According to a report by the Volusia Sheriff's Office, it appeared the sergeant was aware of the "deplorable actions" of department leaders.

Thomas Bentley was demoted from sergeant to master patrol officer effective immediately, according to a June 19 disciplinary action memo from City Manager Joe Forte.

Forte's memo sustained charges of harassment and a conduct violation against Bentley, but determined as unfounded a charge of sexual harassment.

Bentley was among three ranking officers suspended as part of the investigation while the police chief resigned. The internal affairs investigation conducted by the Volusia Sheriff's Office found that the Holly Hill Police Department leadership "fostered an atmosphere of sexual innuendos, objectifying women and sexually explicit horseplay."

The sheriff's office investigation stated that Bentley recalled only a minor incident not mentioned by the main complainants.

"Sergeant Bentley's response was concerning due to the large volume of incidents he was listed as present for by numerous witnesses. Additionally, of far greater concern, at no point in the witness testimonies did Sergeant Bentley stop the inappropriate comments, jokes or sexual innuendoes."

The report goes on to state that it appeared unreasonable that Bentley was unaware of the actions of former police chief Jeff Miller and former Capt. Chris Yates because all three were "very close."

"Therefore, because of this, it appears that Sergeant Bentley was complicit with the deplorable actions of those in charge," the Volusia Sheriff's Office internal affairs report stated.

Derogatory comments toward female employees

Forte wrote in the memo that he found “compelling sworn testimony from multiple witnesses” directly implicating Bentley “in engaging in inappropriate conversations and making derogatory comments toward female employees and other women.”

“Additionally, it is evident that you were present during instances where derogatory remarks where made by the former chief and captain in the presence of female employees, and you took no action to intervene, support the women, or report the behavior to Human Resources or the City Manager.”

The memo stated that Bentley was required to report Thursday to his new position of master patrol officer in the criminal investigations division.

The memo stated that Bentley’s demotion would “be accompanied by an up to 10 percent reduction in pay.”

Bentley earns $66,087.84 annually.

Forte responded in an email that the pay cut "was 10%"

Asked whether Bentley would supervise any women, Forte wrote that the only woman who reports to the criminal investigation division sergeant is an evidence custodian. Forte wrote that only in the absence of the sergeant would Bentley have to interact with the woman "in a supervisory capacity."

"This should not be often and even in the absence of (Sgt.) Schaffer there is not much interaction necessary as a supervisor," Forte wrote.

When asked if Bentley would supervise anyone, Forte wrote "Minimally, no more than any other (master police officer) who fills in when a sergeant is off."

Forte added: "The new Chief will be able to evaluate this situation as well as all staffing and shift assignments when he arrives."

The city has hired Daytona Beach Police Captain Byron Williams to take over as police chief next month.

Bentley: Harassment sustained, sexual harassment unfounded

The memo sustained a charge of harassment against Bentley. The police department’s policies describes harassment in part as verbal or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility to a person because of religion, race, gender or other characteristics.

The memo also sustained a charge that Bentley violated rules of conduct, which in part was defined as being respectful and courteous.

Forte's memo determined as “unfounded” a charge of sexual harassment against Bentley. Sexual harassment was defined in part as any unwelcome sexual advance when submission to such conduct is a condition of employment or such conduct unreasonably interferes with a person’s work performance or creates a hostile or offensive work environment.

Forte wrote that Bentley gave statements saying he believed witnesses held a grudge against him, but other than a reference to leaving work promptly at 4:03 p.m. during a time period, Bentley did not provide any "quantifying information" denying statements.

The Volusia Sheriff's Office internal affairs report found that female officers' complaints about Bentley "mostly stemmed from comments" between him and an investigator. It stated there was no physical evidence of allegations that Bentley made offensive statements and he denied making them.

Bentley started with the department in 2011.

Bentley has the right to file a grievance as outlined in the Coastal Florida Police Benevolent Association agreement.

Holly Hill Police Chief Jeff Miller resigned on March 15.

Capt. Chris Yates resigned May 23.

Sgt. Shannon Fountain submitted his resignation June 12.

Fountain earned $58,750 and Yates earned $87,880. Miller earned $112,965.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Holly Hill police sergeant demoted after sexual harassment investigation