A termination notice obtained by News 6 offers new details about why former Groveland Police Chief Shawn Ramsey was fired after 10 years leading the department, pointing to his handling of discipline for a sergeant accused of driving more than 100 mph while off to work.
The notice, provided by Ramsey’s attorney, Anthony Sabatini, says the city terminated Ramsey because of the discipline he issued to Sgt. Alexander Jarrell after an internal investigation earlier this year.
That investigation found Jarrell drove more than 100 mph on three separate occasions with his emergency lights activated. The notice says Jarrell was not responding to an emergency but was on his way to work.
Jarrell was suspended for three days, lost the use of his take-home vehicle for 30 days and was placed on work probation for six months.
According to the termination notice, signed by Ramsey and Interim City Manager Tim Maslow, city officials determined Ramsey’s punishment was too lenient. The notice also says Ramsey misled the city attorney and city manager by stating Jarrell had been speeding only once.
Sabatini disputed the city’s reasoning.
“I think the evidence in the case will clearly show that never in his 10 years as the chief has the counsel or even the manager ever second-guessed or questioned his discipline of his own officers and his department,” Sabatini said.
Sabatini is also representing Ramsey in a lawsuit filed Aug. 14 that accuses the mayor and city officials of retaliating against Ramsey for filing whistleblower complaints.
“They did so in this case simply to just try to find some reason to punish him,” Sabatini said.
The termination notice says the city decided to fire Ramsey on Aug. 12 while he was on vacation. Ramsey did not receive the letter until he returned Aug. 25.
News 6 asked the city about the termination notice, why Ramsey was fired and the retaliation claims. The city referred News 6 to a previous statement, saying, “The city does not otherwise comment on the specifics or personnel matters.”
Sabatini said Ramsey’s lawsuit seeks reinstatement, back pay, damages and attorney fees.