Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones responded to 1819 News after receiving a media request on February 14 about an investigation into three deputies. However, that information was incomplete and appears to be misleading.
Jones confirmed three patrol division deputies resigned due to agency policy and procedure violations. Jones said that no investigation was in progress and no charges were pending.
Further, Jones did not mention a fourth deputy was demoted when reporters asked if they were fired or placed on leave.
Sources tell 1819 News that the District Attorney's Office alerted the sheriff's office after realizing cases were compromised because the deputies were working outside the Lee County jurisdiction.
When 1819 News contacted the DA's office with an email media inquiry, a "reply to all" email, copying the DA's informational email address, stated the email had been compromised and should be deleted.
No one from the DA's office responded to 1819 News, and calls from February 13 were not returned.
However, in a story published by WBRL five days after the original 1819 News story, Jones offered more information, and the DA's office confirmed an investigation into the deputies by the Lee County Sheriff's Office's Internal Investigations Division.
District attorney Jessica Ventiere said outside agencies have been notified to determine if further action will be taken.
1819 News is awaiting a reply from the Lee County District Attorney's Office.
Sheriff Jones has been employed by the Lee County Sheriff's Office for 49 years.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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