Jan 31, 2008 8:56 pm US/Eastern
Ethics Panel Slaps Timoney With Fine, Reprimand
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
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Miami Police Chief John Timoney
CBS News
Another slap on the wrist for Miami Police Chief John Timoney over his free use of a luxury SUV and his failure to report it as a "gift."
During a Miami Dade Ethics Commission public hearing on Thursday, Timoney's attorney argued that the acceptance of the free use of a Lexus SUV did not constitute the acceptance of a "gift" and therefore the Timoney did not break the law by not reporting it to the county and the state.
The commission rejected this argument imposed a $500 fine, ordered Timoney to pay
$342 in administrative costs and issued the police chief a formal reprimand citing his unethical behavior.
City Manager Pete Hernandez also announced that Timoney would be working one week on the job without pay, also as punishment.
Click Here to read the formal reprimand of Miami Police Chief Timoney.
In response to the commission's decision, Timoney issued a public statement.
The Miami Dade Commission on Ethics has met and rendered a decision on the issue with the Lexus SUV. I stated originally, when this whole incident started, that I would abide by whatever decision the Ethics Commission arrived at; and that is what I intend to do.
The commission decided on a $500 fine for failure to report the Lexus, their costs, and a reprimand. Contrary to what has been reported on WFOR, I have fully cooperated with the Commission on Ethics, I gave voluntary statements and I stipulated to all of the facts.
Also, let it be clear that this case is solely about filing a gift disclosure form. I have paid full price for the car. There are no issues of misuse of office or corruption.
Chief Timoney mentions in his statement that CBS4 has reported he did not cooperate with the County Ethics Commission, referencing a report which aired Thursday, January 24th.
In that report, CBS4 did not say the Chief was not cooperating, stating only that he was, at that time, refusing to accept the public reprimand and fine.
"He denies any wrongdoing whatsoever, and I think it's important for us to reflect that," said Judge Seymour Gelber, of the ethics commission.
Following the actions by the Ethics Commission, Miami Commissioner Tomas Regalado called for Timoney to resign saying the actions of the Miami Police Chief must be beyond reproach and it would be in the best interest of the people, the city and the Miami Police Department if Timoney stepped aside.
Last month, commissioners rejected a plea deal proposed by Timoney's attorney who called for a $500 fine and a letter of instruction which basically laid out the gift disclosure ordinance.
"Let it be real clear," Miguel Diaz De La Portilla, Timoney's attorney, said during that hearing, "there is absolutely no finding of any corrupt intent, or any improper use of position by the chief. And that's a finding by the ethics commission staff."
Commissioners argued the proposed deal amounted to nothing more than a slap on the wrist. Instead, they said they wanted Timoney to sign a letter of reprimand, acknowledging that what he did was wrong. Timoney, through his attorney, refused to accept the public reprimand and demanded a public hearing.
The ethics probe into Timoney's actions was launched after a
CBS4 investigation revealed that the chief had accepted the free use of a luxury Lexus SUV from Lexus of Kendall for more than a year.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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