County commissioner files police complaint against sheriff

County commissioner files police complaint against sheriff


By KEVIN J. SHUTT

kevin.shutt@newssun.com

SEBRING -- Following a Tuesday night confrontation between County Commissioner Barbara Stewart and Highlands County Sheriff Susan Benton, the former filed a complaint with Sebring Police Department.

Lt. Bruce Crumb, commander of SPD's investigations unit, confirmed Monday that the commissioner came to the station and filed a report.

The officer who took the report hasn't completed it, Crumb said. He expected the report by Wednesday.

Benton said she approached Stewart after the county's final budget hearing Sept. 16 to talk to her about the jail.

"Nothing even close to any criminal incident occurred," Benton said during a phone interview.

Sebring Chief of Police Tom Dettman notified the sheriff as a professional courtesy.

Stewart's complaint was an "information-only" report, Benton said, explaining Stewart spoke with Dettman at his office.

For a month and a half, Benton said she has been trying to sit down with Stewart to discuss the board of commissioners' responsibility regarding the jail.

Benton said Stewart needs to be "educated" about the jail, and that she believes Stewart is dispensing incorrect information.

"I pulled up on the curb," Benton said, explaining she was returning to her office when she tried talk to Stewart.

"Barbara, when are we going to have a chance to meet?" Benton said of how she approached the commissioner, who continued to get into her car.

Benton said she tapped on the window.

Stewart rolled it down and said she didn't want talk about it, Benton said.

She accused Stewart of belittling her staff from the commissioner's "bully pulpit" and of intimidating county staff to the point they dread coming before her during Tuesday's commission meetings.

"In my opinion, I didn't intimidate her in any way and no threats were made," Benton said, though that's what she's hearing Stewart allege.

Stewart didn't comment on the incident, except to confirm she spoke with Dettman and explain why.

"I did file an information statement with Sebring Police Department on Friday," she said. "I wanted to put it on the record in case there are future incidents and on Wednesday and Thursday I was hearing exaggerated reports of the incident."

Commissioner C. Guy Maxcy said he witnessed the event, but hadn't been questioned by SPD or any law enforcement agency by 2:30 p.m. Monday.

"She let the argument get away from her," Maxcy said of Benton, explaining he was leaving the budget hearing about 9:30 p.m. when he saw the women.

Maxcy said Benton's vehicle was curbside in the parking lot on the south side of the Government Center, where the commissioners park.

Stewart was still seated inside her car.

The driver-side window was down and Benton was standing at Stewart's door, he said.

Seeing what he described as a "heated argument," Maxcy was concerned enough to pull over and ask the women to calm down.

"It was just me breaking up an argument," Maxcy said. "Susan said, 'I'm pretty upset with Barbara because she puts out misinformation about the Sheriff's Office.'"

Considering that they were in a parking lot after a several-hours-long budget public hearing at night, Maxcy said he told them it wasn't the time or place for this.

"I didn't want to hear explanations," he said Monday. "I wanted to hear 'OK' and see them leaving."

It appeared they took his advice, Maxcy said.

Commission Chairman Edgar Stokes said that by the time he reached the parking lot, he saw Benton leaning into Maxcy's passenger side window.

He also saw a black car, which he presumed to be the sheriff's private vehicle, behind Stewart's car and blocking her from leaving.

Stokes had to back out at a sharp angle.

"I just got in my truck and left," Stokes said, explaining he saw nothing that concerned him.

Stokes hadn't been interviewed by law enforcement by 3:30 p.m. Monday.

Stewart said her information report, once released, will explain her version of the story.

"I apologize if she felt in any way intimidated or threatened," Benton said.

Benton said Stewart didn't raise her voice.

"If I did," the sheriff said. "That's just my personality. I'm very animated."

What a joke. Give me a break...It is seriously getting stupid around here.

County commissioner files police complaint against sheriff


Benton said Stewart didn't raise her voice.

"If I did," the sheriff said. "That's just my personality. I'm very animated."

....and foul mouthed. Ask SH over at the SAO what the Sheriff behaves like when she becomes "animated". Think her grip is slipping?

The sheriff sure could have handled that better. But unfortunately, it will probably slide and the p-nut gallery will offer severl excuses just like the sheriff herself did just so everything looks OK. After all, it is about appearances.

Our sheriff acts like a spoiled brat when she doesn't get her way or when someone challenges her. She has a bad temper. Don't ever cross her!

Like this is the first time. I remember an incident many years ago at a computer store in the Lakeshore Mall where she was trespassed (I Believe she was Lt. Benton at the time) from the store for raising hell in there. I'm sure there s a report and an internal on that one............some people never change. I think you Detective call it a pattern... us in the general public call it a character flaw.....I think more than an apology is in order.

Ha Ha Ha Ha. This is funny! What's wrong with Benton? I think she may need some Xanax.

Ha Ha Ha Ha. This is funny! What's wrong with Benton? I think she may need some Xanax!

Why is it that we as a society enjoy seeing articles on the front page proclaiming how bad someone is, but we don't focus on the good work that person has done. We are so quick to point a finger or Iay blame, I am talking about all the negative publicity surrounding Sherriff Susan Benton. It saddens me as a citizen of this community and as a previous HCSO employee to see how cut throat and malicious these accusations are against Susan Benton. I started working at the HCSO when Howard Godwin was still Sherriff, I was not lucky enough to become a close friend or close co-work of Susan Benton's as we both worked for different departments, but I can tell you things about this woman that you would never know unless you worked there. The things that I witnessed on a daily bases is exactly why I would later vote for her as Sherriff. Susan used to work in a small office on the first floor of the HCSO one of her many jobs was finding grant money for the HCSO. She made it her mission to get us updated 911/Dispatch equipment for our dispatchers and Deputies. This equipment allowed us to dispatch your emergencies faster, to provide Deputies with information which enabled them to save lives as well as protect our Deputies. Susan was always to be found in any department that needed her assist during any natural disater or any major search, even though she had what we called bankers hours at the time. That is another reason I voted for Susan because she was always there lending a hand and I knew she would be there for this community if she was Sheriff and I was right because she has been. I challenge the citizens of Highlands County to research the many benifical things Susan Benton has done for us. You would be surprised, I don't think all of her good deeds could be listed in this paper. Well maybe if you dedicated the Sunday issue just to her. I also have a question for this community. How many of you have worked for a large organization, with multiple departments, and hundreds of employees, that is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week? Now you are the boss of this organization, do you delagate and hope the people you trust to run these departments represent you and do what is right, or do you clock in at 8am on your first day as Sherriff and never clock out again until you are no longer Sherriff so you can make sure everyone is doing the job correctly and without mistakes. Nah sayers are always going to be around, the same people that didn't want her in office years ago are the same ones shouting at the roof tops today trying to make her look bad. We all know you can find fault with anyone if you look hard enough. Have you looked in the mirror lately? Tell me what you see.

Why is it that we as a society enjoy seeing articles on the front page proclaiming how bad someone is, but we don't focus on the good work that person has done. We are so quick to point a finger or Iay blame, I am talking about all the negative publicity surrounding Sherriff Susan Benton. It saddens me as a citizen of this community and as a previous HCSO employee to see how cut throat and malicious these accusations are against Susan Benton. I started working at the HCSO when Howard Godwin was still Sherriff, I was not lucky enough to become a close friend or close co-work of Susan Benton's as we both worked for different departments, but I can tell you things about this woman that you would never know unless you worked there. The things that I witnessed on a daily bases is exactly why I would later vote for her as Sherriff. Susan used to work in a small office on the first floor of the HCSO one of her many jobs was finding grant money for the HCSO. She made it her mission to get us updated 911/Dispatch equipment for our dispatchers and Deputies. This equipment allowed us to dispatch your emergencies faster, to provide Deputies with information which enabled them to save lives as well as protect our Deputies. Susan was always to be found in any department that needed her assist during any natural disater or any major search, even though she had what we called bankers hours at the time. That is another reason I voted for Susan because she was always there lending a hand and I knew she would be there for this community if she was Sheriff and I was right because she has been. I challenge the citizens of Highlands County to research the many benifical things Susan Benton has done for us. You would be surprised, I don't think all of her good deeds could be listed in this paper. Well maybe if you dedicated the Sunday issue just to her. I also have a question for this community. How many of you have worked for a large organization, with multiple departments, and hundreds of employees, that is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week? Now you are the boss of this organization, do you delagate and hope the people you trust to run these departments represent you and do what is right, or do you clock in at 8am on your first day as Sherriff and never clock out again until you are no longer Sherriff so you can make sure everyone is doing the job correctly and without mistakes. Nah sayers are always going to be around, the same people that didn't want her in office years ago are the same ones shouting at the roof tops today trying to make her look bad. We all know you can find fault with anyone if you look hard enough. Have you looked in the mirror lately? Tell me what you see.

I did not realize my name would not appear under the comment I posted on Why is it? First time on this site.
Melody Test

susan you can do better than this :twisted:

I did not realize my name would not appear under the comment I posted on Why is it? First time on this site.
Melody Test

We enjoy the articles because misery loves misery , you fool. Now finally people (and voters) can see the sheriff's true colors. A loud mothed, angry, impulsive, flighty, argumentative, moody, spiteful person....... No kidding, unfortunately- I wish I was. I am realistic and not some starry-eyed idiot that believes everything I am told, either. Let's pat ourselves on the back for bringing us out of the dark ages with computers and dispatch. Wow. You got a feather in your otherwise empty cap there, fool.

Come on. I mean, really. Look in the mirror too, Melody. I surmise that you cannot see well cause you are obviously blindfolded.

And they are called "nay" sayers- not "Nah sayers". If you are going to lump persons (blindly) into a category, at least spell it right. Were you absent that day in 5th grade???

Hear that ringing? It's a clue calling (collect).

Let me get this straight, you are unhappy with a proven Sheriff that worked her way up through the ranks when no one wanted a female anywhere around. She did it with out attacking the administration she worked for and looking after the department that she served.

Now you want to put your faith in a man that was let go by FHP, has only held a real job for about two years in the last ten and yet claims 37 years law enforcement experience to lead you into the future?

OK, I got a clue where the next grow house bust will be.

I've been at this agency a REALLY long time (started under Joe Sheppard) and I've seen this every time election comes up. Take it from me, even if we do get a new sheriff, within six months everyone will be disatisfied and complaining about the new person just as much as the outgoing sheriff. Seen it happen every single time. The grass is always greener over the septic tank.

Let me get this straight, you are unhappy with a proven Sheriff that worked her way up through the ranks when no one wanted a female anywhere around. She did it with out attacking the administration she worked for and looking after the department that she served.

Now you want to put your faith in a man that was let go by FHP, has only held a real job for about two years in the last ten and yet claims 37 years law enforcement experience to lead you into the future?

OK, I got a clue where the next grow house bust will be.

OK, maybe you should get your facts straight about Ron Grimming. He was not "let go" by FHP - he resigned because he would not tolerate political interference in law enforcement issues. He is a square shooter with more ethics and integrity than most of us could ever hope for. He tells is like it is. If you are wrong, he will discipline you fairly but will not hold a grudge against you. He has the experience and energy to turn this agency around and make it one that all of us will love and be proud of. If you haven't had a chance to personally meet him and tak to him, I would suggest you contact him now and make an informed decision. I did.

Wow who did you say was A loud mothed, angry, impulsive, flighty, argumentative, moody, spiteful person....... You did look in the mirror, good for you.
Melody Test

Wow who did you say was A loud mothed, angry, impulsive, flighty, argumentative, moody, spiteful person....... You did look in the mirror, good for you.
Melody Test

I did look in the mirror. In wearing this uniform, as a deputy, we are all just extensions of the sheriff herself- meaning that we represent HER. I see the weak insult you tried to hurl, and good for you, but I still got ya.

Far from loud "mouthed" ( not "mothed" --got ya with the cut and paste- I let that one slip and you used it), definitely not angry or impulsive, not moody and definitely not spiteful, I am NOT what you have equalled me to. I actually pride myself to try and not act any of those things, and very proud that I have some self control. As for you, you label people that you've never met and make generalizations about something which you know NOTHING about. You'd make great brass, honey. And the skirt wouldn't hurt, either with this admin.

Out of breath yet?

Never out of breathe but confused as to why you are on the attack. No one labeled anyone, you have taken that job. I voiced my opinon not quit sure why you have taken it so personal. Your just upset because someone slung alittle mudd back in your direction.
Melody Test

Never out of breath but confused as to why you are on the attack. No one labeled anyone, you have taken that job. I voiced my opinon not quit sure why you have taken it so personal. Your just upset because someone slung alittle mudd back in your direction.
Melody Test

You people exemplify typical redneck government at work. Grimming is the Yankee stirring the crap and laughing at your southern ways he so loathes. Benton has backbone and cares about the people of Highlands County. Grimming is an outsider who wants to come in and impress us Southerners with his jewelry and bright ideas. How many jobs has he had since coming to Florida?

You people exemplify typical redneck government at work. Grimming is the Yankee stirring the crap and laughing at your southern ways he so loathes. Benton has backbone and cares about the people of Highlands County. Grimming is an outsider who wants to come in and impress us Southerners with his jewelry and bright ideas. How many jobs has he had since coming to Florida?


AT least four.

Well I don't know about the rest of you but I would rather have that Yankee than some of the individuals we have from West Palm and Miami. They seem to want to move up here and turn this into a major city. I would rather see Highlands County as it was 15 years ago.

Well I don't know about the rest of you but I would rather have that Yankee than some of the individuals we have from West Palm and Miami. They seem to want to move up here and turn this into a major city. I would rather see Highlands County as it was 15 years ago.

Then buy a delorean and drive around sebring at 85 miles per hour. Highlands County is where it needs to be...

Sorry for sticking to details but its 88 mph and takes 1.21 jigawatts of electricity which we all know is the equivalent of a bolt of lighting.

You mean she didn't have her puppet the "Major" do her talking for her? I'm shocked! Don't worry, their time at the S.O. is just about over... Joe

Sorry to disappoint you. But if you think he's going to magically turn the county back to the good old days then you might as well start the moving process now. And if U think she's magically responsible for the growth in population then I'm not surprised. Just one more thing to blame on her. :twisted:

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