Three Port St. Lucie police officers placed on leave during campaign sign investigations

The Port St. Lucie Police Department placed three officers on paid administrative leave effective August 13 as part of investigations into two incidents involving political campaign signs near SW Airoso Boulevard last week. The officers placed on leave are Detective Sgt. Sean Smith, Officer Jason Vega, and Detective Sgt. Chief Leo Niemczyk reviewed the initial facts and timeline surrounding the incidents before requesting assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to ensure the investigation remains fair, impartial, and unbiased.

FDLE has agreed to take over the criminal investigation into the campaign sign incidents. The department stated the criminal investigation must be completed before the internal administrative investigation begins to ensure both processes are conducted independently and appropriately. Once the criminal investigation concludes, the internal administrative investigation will proceed in accordance with established procedures, applicable law, and the Florida Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights. The Port St. Lucie Police Department stated it will not provide additional information or comment on matters being handled by FDLE.