ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Two St. Petersburg Police employees were disciplined following a command review board, one in response to a solicitation of a prostitute conviction and the other for a possible aggravated assault.
Officer Reginald Mitchell, a 22 year member of the force was given a work suspension of 160 hours due to an investigation conducted by the Office of Professional Standards.
On June 30, Mitchell reportedly agreed to engage in an act of prostitution. Undercover officers conducting surveillance in the area saw a known prostitute enter the passenger side of a silver Buick.
The vehicle allegedly quickly accelerated backwards and quickly left the scene in an attempt to elude officers.
A traffic stop was conducted where Officer Reginald Mitchell was identified.
In a separate incident, Sergeant James D. Lofton, an 18 year member of the force was demoted to the rank of officer and given a mandatory referral to anger management therapy and removal from all specialized units.
On Sept. 29 at about 8:30 a.m., while on duty and armed, he went to another officer's home and engaged in a verbal dispute.
He allegedly threw a bullet at the officer, which was perceived as a threat and possible aggravated assault since his department issued firearm was in plain view and accessible.
According to the police department, the complaints against both officers were sustained for "Conviction or Guilty of a Felony or Misdemeanor" and "Conduct Unbecoming an Employee." Lofton was also cited for "Improper Procedures."
