North Port Assistant Police Chief Michael Pelfrey was relieved of his duties on Friday.
According to the police department, Pelfrey was given directions by Chief Vespia, which he failed to carry out on two separate occasions.
When questioned about the failure to complete assignments, Pelfrey allegedly told the chief they had been inadvertent.
However, in a meeting with Human Resources, Pelfrey said he intentionally disobeyed one direction given to him, saying he believed it to be an unlawful order.
Pelfrey was relieved of his duties after an internal investigation. He had been on administrative leave since March.
The police department released the following statement:
Per your request. Following an internal investigation, North Port Assistant Police Chief Michael Pelfrey was relieved of his duties on Friday June 22nd 2018. We appreciate Mr. Pelfrey’s service to the North Port Police Department and the North Port community. We wish him well in his future endeavors.
We understand that Mr. Pelfrey has filed a suit through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. We respect that process and the City Attorney’s office will handle accordingly.
While the legal process continues, we will respectfully decline further comment.