SANTA ROSA COUNTY

SHERIFFS OFFICE

Sheriff Wendell Hall

Sheriff Hall Terminates Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office Lieutenant who was Arrested in March 2010

Sheriff Wendell Hall terminated a Sheriff's Office Lieutenant that was arrested in March 2010 by FDLE. Mitch Tomlinson was arrested on March 09, 2010 by FDLE Agents after an investigation revealed probable cause for his arrest on charged with 120 counts of sexual battery on a child between the ages of 12 and 18. Due to his arrest, an internal investigation was conducted on Tomlinson and his alleged conduct. Tomlinson had been on administrative leave since his arrest and remains incarcerated at the Walton County Jail. The internal investigation revealed that Tomlinson's actions substantiated his termination for the following conduct offenses:

•  SRSO General Order J-003 III (60)- Members shall not commit a felony, first degree misdemeanor, or any misdemeanor involving dishonesty, perjury, a false statement, or immoral act (Level 5 Violation)

•  SRSO General Order J- 003 III (43) b- Members shall not engage in any conduct that constitutes a gross violation of conduct unbecoming a member, or any other act that is likely to severely affect the discipline, good order, or reputation of the agency, or that may compromise the integrity of the member. Members shall not participate in any conduct that may grossly detract from or severely affect public faith and trust in the agency, including, but not limited to, being arrested for a felony or misdemeanor involving dishonesty, perjury, a false statement, or an immoral act. (Level 5 Violation)

Once the investigation was completed and the findings were produced to Sheriff Hall, Tomlinson's employment with the agency was immediately terminated. Tomlinson has two days to request a predetermination hearing to refute the allegations of gross misconduct. After that deadline, Tomlinson has ten days to request a hearing before the Civil Service board to refute the termination.

Press Release By:

Sgt. Scott Haines

Media Relations Unit (850) 981-2136 or shaines@srso.net