HOLLY HILL, Fla. – A woman is suing the city of Holly Hill alleging the former police chief and others in the department of engaging in “routine and predatory acts in the workplace towards women for years,” according to court documents.
The suit states that Holly Hill Police Chief Jeffrey Miller and Capt. Christopher Yates “began a campaign of relentless sexual harassment, assault, and battery.”
News 6 reported in March, 2024, that Miller resigned from his role amid an investigation into the police department after allegations about “inappropriate incidents” came up.
A month later, another Holly Hill police officer was suspended amid the investigation. Sgt. Tom Bently was placed on paid leave in accordance with the police officer’s bill of rights. Bently’s leave follows the suspension of Yates and Sgt. Shannon Fountain, also part of the same investigation.
In June, 2024, Holly Hill city officials announced they hired Byron K. Williams as their new police chief, days after a monthslong investigation conducted by the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office into the department concluded.
The city handed the investigation over to the sheriff’s office in March so it would be impartial.
[EXCLUSIVE: Become a News 6 Insider (it’s FREE) | PINIT! Share your photos]
The sheriff’s office completed their investigation into the department, releasing their internal affairs report on June 14.
Volusia Sheriff Mike Chitwood told News 6, “If true, these things are pretty shocking, that leadership of a police organization would engage in this type of behavior.”
The investigation found numerous instances of sexual harassment and misconduct by former Chief Miller, as well as a police captain and two sergeants.
Investigators interviewed more than three dozen current or former city employees, revealing what the agency said was a clear imbalance of power at the top of the agency, leading to officers being subject to sexual abuse, emotional exploitation, inappropriate comments, and an overall hostile work environment.
The captain and one of the sergeants also resigned, while the other sergeant was suspended and placed on paid leave pending the results of the investigation.
In October, 2024, a Volusia County grand jury decided not to charge Miller, returning a “no true bill,” meaning the they determined there was not enough evidence to support the charges.
To read the lawsuit document, see below. Warning it does contain graphic language:
