- May 2, 2024
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A former Volusia Sheriff's Office lieutenant surrendered his law enforcement certification on Thursday, Nov. 3, in a settlement with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement after his resignation due to an internal affairs investigation that revealed he had sexually harassed several female colleagues.
According to a press release from VSO, the investigation into the lieutenant, Kyle Bainbridge, began in April 2021 after a subordinate deputy reported he repeatedly sent her unwanted messages and sexual advances via social media and texts. The deputy also reported Bainbridge used her automatic vehicle locator data to track her down and speak to her in person.
VSO learned that Bainbridge had made similar advances on an officer from another law enforcement agency in the county, and through the course of the investigation, found at least six women — both sworn officers and civilian employees — that had similar encounters with Bainbridge. Several mentioned his reputation for such behavior, the press release states.
VSO additionally reported that the investigation revealed a pattern of failing to respond to significant calls for service by Bainbridge. His own vehicle locator data indicated he spent many on-duty hours stationary at his or his girlfriend's home, and not on the east side of the county where he was the assigned watch commander.
Bainbridge resigned while the investigation was underway. Sheriff Mike Chitwood concluded in the investigation that Bainbridge "had committed policy violations including leaving his assigned work area, inattention to duties, failure to follow general orders, harassment, sexual harassment and failure to comply with a direct order," the press release states.
“The conduct we discovered in this investigation was a disgrace to our badge and a black mark on our organization,” Chitwood said in the press release. “The only positive here is the lesson that harassment, abuse of authority and inattention to duty won’t be tolerated at the Volusia Sheriff’s Office.”
The settlement with FDLE means Bainbridge won't use a badge again to make unwanted advances on women, Chitwood added.
“While I’m anything but proud of the behavior of our disgraced former watch commander, I couldn’t be prouder of everyone who spoke out,” Chitwood said. “Their complaints were valid, and we took action. Today, the sheriff’s office and our profession as a whole are better off without a law enforcement officer who’s more interested in harassing women than doing his job."
