TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Venice Officer Who Quit Had Abused Power, Report Says

ADVERTISEMENT

BY KIM HACKETT and ZAC ANDERSON

Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Published: February 22, 2008

VENICE — One Venice police officer has resigned and another has been exonerated after an off-duty altercation at the Sarasota Ale House in January.

An investigative report released Thursday concluded that Corey Quinlan, 26, caused a drunken disturbance at the Ale House during a New England Patriots football game.

Quinlan was accused of abusing his position as a police officer by bragging about his gun and badge, attacking restaurant workers and causing such a disturbance he was escorted out of the Ale House three times.

A video of the incident helped investigators conclude that Quinlan should be fired, but he resigned this month in the middle of the investigation, Police Chief Julie Williams said.

"It is irresponsible and reprehensible," said Williams, who has been chief for two years. "It's not reflective of individuals who work for the police department."

By contrast, the investigation cleared first-year Officer Brett Woodworth, 25.

Lt. Michael Rose, the investigator, said Woodworth sought to calm the situation and avoid a confrontation and cooperated throughout the investigation.

"Several witness accounts corroborate Officer Woodworth quelled the disturbance," the report states.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT