Sergeant in charge of investigating rubber bullet shooting reassigned by Fort Lauderdale
The Fort Lauderdale Police Department’s lead investigator on the probe into its officer who shot LaToya Ratlieff in the face with a rubber bullet has been removed from the case and will be reassigned to the patrol division after making comments that raised concerns about his impartiality.
Ratlieff met with the investigator, Sgt. Jeffrey Newman, on Monday, Aug. 10, the day she intended to provide a statement for his team’s investigation of Eliezer Ramos, the officer who shot her. She was deterred “when he said he was sure it was an accident,” and she discovered that the department’s investigations were on hold, said Ratlieff’s spokesperson, Evan Ross.
Newman’s words were “unacceptable,” wrote Interim Chief Karen Dietrich in an email to City Manager Chris Lagerbloom, informing him of Newman’s reassignment. The memo did not state precisely what Newman uttered but said: “The information he relayed had a chilling effect on [Ratlieff’s] cooperativeness, and created serious doubt with those representing [Ratlieff], on his ability to independently investigate the matter.”
Ramos shot Ratlieff in the eye socket with a rubber bullet at a Black Lives Matter protest on May 31. The investigation of the incident is open.
It’s not clear when the probe will be completed.
Usually all Internal Affairs investigations into alleged officer misconduct must be completed within 180 days, but the Florida Officers’ Bill of Rights outlines a few possible exceptions, such as a statewide emergency. Citing Gov. Ron DeSantis’ March 9 state-of-emergency declaration, the department has “tolled’‘ or removed that 180-day clock on approximately 60 investigations, including Ratlieff’s, according to Assistant Chief Frank Sousa.
Newman’s comments, coupled with the status of the department’s investigations, led Ratlieff not to make a statement. But had she given one that day, it would have been “shelved” until the toll is lifted, Sousa previously told the Herald.
According to the memo, Newman must attend mandatory training in “procedural justice” and communication, and a letter documenting the incident will be placed in his personnel file. He will then join the patrol division.
Sousa said Newman is being replaced in Internal Affairs by Sgt. Frank Betancourt, who previously worked in IA.
This story was originally published August 21, 2020 at 8:59 AM.
