LAKELAND, Fla. — Four Lakeland Police officers resigned Thursday for intentionally turning off recording devices while chasing a vehicle after an attempted traffic stop last March.
Lakeland Police identified the officers who resigned as Sergeant Mark Eby, Officer Jason McCain, Officer Anton Jefferson, and Officer Jim Simon.
According to Lakeland Police, the officers' actions were discovered by staff during a routine records retrieval process in April 2024 and reported for review/investigation. All of the officers involved were put on administrative leave and remained on leave until the investigation concluded.
The actions of the officers were also referred to the State Attorney's Office. The SAO said criminal charges would not be filed in the case but said there were "serious concerns" with the actions of the officers.
“This matter was thoroughly and completely investigated as a necessary measure to reinforce the integrity of our policies and uphold the standards expected of all members of this department. It is disappointing to have decorated officers make poor choices in this incident, which has cost them their careers.” Lakeland Police Chief Sam Taylor said in a statement.
Joshua Chatmon is breathing a sigh of relief, knowing that the Lakeland police officers involved in his 2022 arrest, are off the streets.
“Once they rode by and saw there were two Black guys sitting in the car, they just stopped, reversed, jumped out and grabbed me. Threw me up against my neighbor’s car,” Chatmon said.
Chatmon said he was charged with possession of marijuana. His charges were later dropped.
“They lied, they completely lied. They committed perjury, honestly. They lied in the deposition about the whole incident,” said Chatmon.
The four officers were members of LPD's Street Crimes Unit, which has had numerous complaints from residents.
In Dec. 2022, Antwan Glover accused three officers of using excessive force against him. His charges were ultimately dropped as well.
“It’s more than just those four officers, it’s more than just those four officers, but it’s a start," Glover said.
For years, activists have pushed for the officers to be fired as complaints grew against them.
“I think we can celebrate the fact that finally something was done to these officers but we can't celebrate those who made the decision so late," said Clayton Cowart, founder of the Poor & Minority Justice Association.
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