Holly Hill Police Investigation Turned Over to City

HOLLY HILL, Fla. – An investigation into inappropriate conduct within the Holly Hill Police Department is now in the hands of the city manager.

Police Chief Jeff Miller resigned on March 15 and Chris Yates resigned as captain on May 23. Two sergeants were also suspended: Sgt. Shannon Fountain was suspended with pay on March 14 and Sgt. Tom Bentley was suspended with pay on April 3.

Holly Hill City Manager Joe Forte is currently reviewing an internal report from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office, and further disciplinary action could be announced as early as this week.

In an interview with Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood, he said his investigators conducted more than 30 interviews and summarized what he described as “inappropriate incidents” in a 104-page report.

“There were three women who made allegations and subsequently sued the city of Holly Hill and the police department,” Chitwood said.

He said the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is also investigating. Chitwood said he could not comment on the results of the investigation, but called them “shocking.”

“This is not about one person. We’re talking about a culture that was allowed to develop and thrive, and it involved senior leadership and, you know, involved some women who were put in really, really uncomfortable situations, according to the allegations,” Chitwood said. “I think if you read the interviews of these women, the hairs on the back of your neck will stand up in 2024 wondering how something like this could have happened.”

Chitwood said he has offered the sheriff’s office the opportunity to take over law enforcement duties in Holly Hill, which could save the city $1 million, but Forte said the city will keep its department.

In the meantime, the city has decided to bring back former retired police chief Mark Barker to serve in an interim administrative role while the search for a new police chief continues.

Last week, Holly Hill Mayor Chris Via posted an update on social media announcing that they had conducted six interviews with candidates for the position of Holly Hill Police Chief.

Forte said he is still reading the investigation report, which will not be made public until a decision has been made. He expects a decision to be made in a few days.