
Aug 20, 2007 4:08 pm US/Eastern
Statement: Timoney On CBS4 Investigation
Angel Calzadilla, Executive Assistant to Miami police chief John Timoney, sent the following e-mail to CBS4 management Monday afternoon in response to the CBS4 News report on the chief's free use of a luxury SUV. This is the unedited text of that e-mail, in it's entirety.Chief John Timoney has been a customer of Lexus of Kendall for four and a half years. He has leased a vehicle from Lexus for the past five and a half years.
Although Chief Timoney does not feel that a violation exists (as alleged by WFOR), he has requested his legal counsel to obtain an opinion from the Commission on Ethics as to whether the use of a demo "Hybrid" vehicle, to be used in conjunction with his leased vehicle, from a dealership located outside the City of Miami, and having no business with the City, is considered a gift, and whether Commission on Ethics form 9 should have been completed.
In the event that the Commission determines that the use of the demo vehicle constitutes a gift, then the appropriate form will be completed and submitted.
Additionally, with regards to the allegation (again by WFOR) that a department policy has been violated, no such violation exists as the Chief clearly did not accept the demo hybrid vehicle for services rendered as an employee of the Miami Police Department.
"11.6.17.21 Accepting any fees, rewards, or gifts of any kind from any person for services rendered or pretended to be rendered as a member or civilian employee of the Police Department, without the consent of the Chief of Police."
Bear in mind, that at most, this would be a failure to file a form, and in no way constitutes any legal wrongdoing.
--Angel Calzadilla
Executive Assistant
Miami Police Chief John Timoney
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