Former South Florida Fire Chief Accused of Stealing Taxpayer Money
Investigation Raises Questions on How City Handled the Case
A former South Florida fire chief was accused of using taxpayer money for personal purchases while he was on the job. The investigation into his activity has raised new questions on how the city of Miramar handled the case.
The Accusations
Former Miramar Fire Chief Robert Palmer was accused of using his city-issued purchase card (P-card) to buy personal items, including $900 fishing reels, slide rentals, a drone, and pricey amplifiers, over a period of five years from 2017 to 2022.
The Investigation
After Palmer’s retirement, investigators began looking into over 400 purchases made with his P-card. According to a police memo, they compiled a list of dozens of items that were not consistent with purchases made for the Fire-Rescue Department. The total value of these items was $35,931.34.
The Concerns
"Proper practice is to not be using that card for anything that’s not legitimately authorized under your disbursement rules," said Joseph DeMaria, a former federal prosecutor.
"It clearly raises questions," DeMaria added.
How the City Handled the Investigation
The investigation was initially taken over by the city’s police department’s internal affairs unit, rather than the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), as it should have been. DeMaria believes the city should have recused itself from the investigation.
The Outcome
Broward State Attorney’s office declined to prosecute, stating that they believe "Palmer did, in fact, steal approximately $35,931.34 from the city of Miramar." However, they also said that getting evidence to prove it would be "next to impossible" due to delays in reporting and the city’s lack of cooperation.
The Aftermath
Palmer’s attorney declined to comment on the case. The city has not explained why they took over the investigation from the FDLE, and the current city manager, Roy Virgin, would not comment on camera, saying only that the city conducted a preliminary audit and an official forensic audit of Palmer’s P-card usage.
Conclusion
The case raises serious questions about the city’s handling of the investigation and the use of city-issued P-cards. It also highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in government spending.
FAQs
Q: How did the city of Miramar handle the investigation into former Fire Chief Robert Palmer’s P-card usage?
A: The city’s police department’s internal affairs unit took over the investigation, rather than the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), as it should have.
Q: What was the total value of the items purchased with the P-card?
A: $35,931.34
Q: Did the city of Miramar investigate the allegations of misuse of the P-card?
A: Yes, the city conducted a preliminary audit and an official forensic audit of Palmer’s P-card usage.
Q: Why did the state attorney’s office decline to prosecute?
A: They said that getting evidence to prove the allegations would be "next to impossible" due to delays in reporting and the city’s lack of cooperation.
