Key West The Newspaper has learned from more than one source that the Key West Police Department is under investigation by the State Attorney's Office. At least one officer has reportedly been called to testify before a Grand Jury. One source said that investigators seem particularly interested in the alleged use of excessive force by police officers, wrongful arrest and conspiracy within the Police Department to cover up alleged wrongdoing by officers.
Last June, after KWTN Publisher Dennis Reeves Cooper went to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement to force an investigation into allegations that a KWPD officer lied in court and an internal affairs investigator knowingly covered it up, Police Chief Buz Dillon swore out a warrant for Cooper's arrest. The charges were dropped within a few days. And Dillon subsequently had to admit that both officers did lie— but, he said, "unknowingly".
The State Attorney's Office typically does not confirm or deny the targets or content of current investigations.
Stay tuned.