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HCSO Publishes 6,000-Page Probe File in Academy Cheating Case as Sheriff Says Misconduct Was Not Criminal

Six command staff members have departed following findings of outside assistance on coursework.

Overview

  • The sheriff's office on Monday released more than 6,000 pages of records and audio from its internal investigation into academic cheating tied to FBI National Academy classes.
  • Sheriff Chad Chronister described the conduct as lapses in judgment and said he does not view the behavior as criminal or in need of an outside investigation.
  • Four senior officials resigned and two captains, Zuleydis Stearns and Marvin Johnson, were fired as a result of the probe, according to the sheriff.
  • The inquiry began after an email from former Chief Deputy Anthony Collins' wife alleged he used an outside person to complete coursework, and Collins resigned shortly after the tip.
  • Investigators identified Robert Roush as the outside helper; he told interviewers he only edited papers, while Chronister noted he cannot be certain who may have used private email to contact him.