FMPD officers punished over Allen arrest
Officials say four southwest Florida police officers have been punished for the wrongful detainment of Oakland Raiders safety and former Cape Coral High star athlete Nate Allen.
Fort Myers police Chief Doug Baker said Thursday the arrest was isolated and not deliberate.
Allen, who lives in Southwest Florida in the offseason, spent several hours in a holding cell in February after a 16-year-old girl said he performed a lewd act at a traffic light. Allen denied the accusation, saying he was on a cellphone call from the time he left a nearby restaurant until he was stopped. No charges were filed. Allen eventually was released.
An internal police investigation determined the officers involved violated state or agency policies and were assigned disciplinary actions.
Sergeant Jacquelyn Garrett was suspended for 40 hours and given a policy review. Detective Audenia Thomas was suspended 24 hours with a policy review. Officer Gloria Camacho must undergo written counseling and a policy review while former Officer Rebecca Milhoan received a written reprimand and policy review.
The investigation’s report ends with a department apology to Allen.
“Chief Baker would like to thank Mr. Allen for his patience while we carefully conducted our internal examination,” the statement read. “To Mr. Allen and his family whose lives were disrupted by this incident, Chief Baker extends his deepest and most sincere apology.”