Report accuses former Holly Hill police chief of sexual harassment and misconduct

HOLLY HILL, Florida. – An investigation by the Volusia Sheriff’s Office revealed allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct by several high-ranking Holly Hill police officers, including the police chief.

The internal investigation report was published on Friday afternoon.

The investigation revealed numerous cases of sexual harassment and misconduct by former Police Chief Jeffrey Miller, as well as a police captain and two sergeants.

Investigators interviewed more than three dozen current or former city employees and found what the agency said was a clear power imbalance at the top of the agency, which resulted in officers being subjected to sexual abuse, emotional exploitation, inappropriate comments and an overall hostile work environment.

The sheriff’s office began its investigation into misconduct earlier this year, but in March, Holly Hill’s city manager informed Police Chief Jeffrey Miller that the investigation was expanding to include allegations against him, and Miller then verbally resigned.

The captain and one of the sergeants also resigned, while the other sergeant was suspended and placed on paid leave pending the results of the investigation.

Volusia County Sheriff Mike Chitwood told News 6 last week the results were “pretty shocking.”

Chitwood posted the report along with a statement on his Facebook page on Friday.

Holly Hill City Manager Joe Forte issued a statement to News 6, saying, “I am deeply dismayed by the statements and allegations. The actions of the Chief, Captain and Sergeant appear to be contrary to the principles they are supposed to uphold and enforce in our community.”

The city announced this week that Byron K. Williams, a captain with the Daytona Beach Police Department, has been hired as its new police chief.

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