A DeLand Police captain who has been under investigation since February has been fired, according to a document obtained Tuesday by the News-Journal.
The short document titled “Separation” was sent to members of the DeLand Police Department by Deputy Chief Adam Kisthardt at 11:49 a.m.
“Team, as of today, Frank Williams is no longer employed by the City of DeLand. Thank you, Deputy Chief Adam Kisthardt,” he wrote.
Williams is under investigation for allegedly making racist, sexist and homophobic comments and inappropriately touching employees while on the job, according to a source familiar with the investigation who asked that his name not be used.
City of DeLand spokesman Chris Graham confirmed Williams was fired Tuesday morning and said DeLand police will provide a summary of the internal investigation into Williams later Tuesday.
He declined to comment further but said allegations of inappropriate touching were unsubstantiated.
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Francisco “Frank” Williams was placed on paid administrative leave on February 10. The city hired former Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Cameron, owner of Marathon-based Bill Cameron & Associates Consulting, Inc., to investigate.
The source said Cameron’s preliminary investigation was turned over to city officials and prompted an internal affairs investigation. Williams has been with the department since August 2021. The job pays $109,200.
Graham previously told the News-Journal that the investigation into Williams took so long because it involved a dozen officers. A source familiar with the details of the investigation said 12 employees, including civilians, are part of the probe.
According to the source, the first complaint against Williams was filed by an officer who was at the scene of a shooting in a predominantly black neighborhood. While on the scene in DeLand, Williams allegedly made comments calling community members “darkies.”
Williams was an award-winning officer with the Jersey City Police Department for 26 years, according to a biography the city posted on the website crimewatchfl.com. In New Jersey he held the ranks of officer, sergeant, lieutenant and captain. His awards include Jersey City Officer of the Year in 2007 and Supervisor of the Year in 2015.
Williams could not be reached for comment for this story.
This article originally appeared in The Daytona Beach News-Journal: DeLand police captain fired for making racist and homophobic comments
