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Sanford to Trayvon Police Chief: You're Not Quitting

Bill Lee had tendered resignation

By Polly Davis Doig,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 23, 2012 2:44 PM CDT | Updated Apr 23, 2012 6:52 PM CDT

(Newser) – Sanford refused to accept its police chief's resignation today despite his handling of the George Zimmerman case, CBS News reports. The Florida city's commissioners voted 3-2 to reject Bll Lee's resignation, and most of them blamed tumult surrounding the Trayvon Martin shooting on outsiders. "The city has experienced great turmoil in the past two months and we are hoping to stabilize the department and continue with this time of healing," said City Manager Norton Bonaparte.

Lee had temporarily stepped aside last month, and already received a no-confidence vote from Sanford commissioners, notes the AP. Lee will remain on administrative leave pending the outcome of an outside investigation.

Sanford Police Department Chief Bill Lee speaks while announcing he will temporarily step down in the wake of the Trayvon Martin killing on March 22, 2012 in Sanford, Fla.
Sanford Police Department Chief Bill Lee speaks while announcing he will temporarily step down in the wake of the Trayvon Martin killing on March 22, 2012 in Sanford, Fla.   (Getty Images)
Sanford Police Chief Bill Lee speaks to the the media during a news conference Thursday, March 22, 2012 as city manager Norton Bonaparte Jr. listens at left, in Sanford Fla.
Sanford Police Chief Bill Lee speaks to the the media during a news conference Thursday, March 22, 2012 as city manager Norton Bonaparte Jr. listens at left, in Sanford Fla.   (AP Photo/Julie Fletcher)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 14 comments
MILAGROS
Apr 25, 2012 1:09 PM CDT
As a resident of FL there is something really smelly about this veteran officer stepping down..And!! IT IS NOT ALL ABOUT Trayvon..Is it possible that he believes that something may be revealed as the state gets prepared to try the profile (Zimmie)  Hold it! The case will not be presented for at least 2 yrs (similar to Casey Anthony) And while the investigation is going down the state will do any/everything it can to build  their case such as wrong doing, racial profiling, racism etc? Suffice that, as a long term res of Fla and someone who has studied the city of Sanford and other cities where the PD have committed atrocities against all citizens i see a scam coming related to the entire case..The only reason the murderer was arrested was because Black people fought back? NEXT/   lmao Now before anyone gets silly and starts the name calling think about it..Any law students in the house?? Lets debate..Peace
nick
Apr 24, 2012 11:00 AM CDT
"You  cannot resign until George Zimmerman is acquitted ... and is available to become our next police chief.".
floridavet
Apr 24, 2012 7:21 AM CDT
So...they give him a vote of no confidence, then refuse to let him resign.  What a bunch of bi-polar idiots.  If George Zimmerman is eventually released because the prosecutor's charges are proven to be overreaching, bogus, and politically motivated, will the council then give him his job back?  This guy has some serious integrity because he would not be manipulated by being forced to charge Zimmerman when the evidence didn't support the charges.   If I were him I certainly would not continue working for these yay-hoos.

 
Florida • police chiefs • Trayvon Martin • Bill Lee • Trayvon Martin

 
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