Holly Hill hires new police chief amid misconduct investigation

HOLLY HILL, Florida. – The Holly Hill City Council announced it has hired a new police chief, days after a months-long investigation into the department by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office concluded.

Joseph A. Forte, Holly Hill’s city manager, said Tuesday that Byron K. Williams “has accepted the position of police chief of Holly Hill.”

“Chief Williams emerged as the outstanding candidate and received unanimous approval from the interview panel. After further discussions and careful review, I am pleased to confirm that he has accepted the position,” Forte said.

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Williams does not have to travel far, as he has served as Captain of the Daytona Beach Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division since 2022. According to the resume Williams submitted for the position, he has more than 24 years of law enforcement experience, all with the DBPD.

Holly Hill police needed a new chief after former chief Jeffrey Miller and a captain resigned amid allegations of “inappropriate incidents.” Two sergeants remain on leave amid the same investigation, city officials said.

The city turned the investigation over to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office in March for impartiality. The sheriff’s office also led law enforcement in Holly Hill during the investigation, which concluded last week.

Although the results are not yet public, Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood told News 6 that what he saw was “pretty shocking.”

“If this is true, it is quite shocking that the leadership of a police organization would engage in such behavior,” Chitwood said.

Williams is expected to begin his duties as chief on Monday, July 15, Forte told News 6.

He still has to undergo a comprehensive background check overseen by the Daytona Beach Shores Department of Public Safety Director.

Forte said a decision on the future of the two suspended sergeants should be made this week.

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