Facing a possible suspension, Ocala's chief of police was instead placed on paid administrative leave Friday morning.
- Ocala City Council voted to put police chief on paid leave
- Chief Greg Graham requested paid administrative leave
- He faces allegations of sexual harassment and hostile treatment
The City Council held a special meeting to vote on Chief Greg Graham's offer to take the leave, which they accepted.
Graham is facing allegations of sexual harassment, hostile treatment and retaliation, filed by three Ocala Police officers.
“He’s not there, whether it’s being a suspension or on paid administrative leave. It's the same thing," Ocala Mayor Ken Guinn said. "Suspension doesn’t look good.”
Several Ocala residents attended the meeting, thinking Graham would be suspended.
“I first came with with the thought that yes, he should be suspended,” Loretta Jenkins said.
Council members specified under the paid administrative leave guidelines they passed that Graham is not permitted to contact anyone in the police department.
Although Graham was stripped of his powers, Guinn said Graham will keep his title.
“He is the chief now and will continue to be the chief. He’s the chief on paid administrate leave,” Guinn said.
Lawyers investigating allegations against Graham have an October deadline.
Council moved to put Deputy Chief Rodney Smith in charge of the department pending the investigation. Smith will be allowed to contact Graham on department-related issues.
Guinn says if Graham is cleared of all the allegations after October, the city can sign another contract with Graham to keep him as police chief. Graham’s contract with the city expires Oct. 19.
Graham became the police chief in 2012.