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Deputy who shot driver resigns; case pending
By LINDA GIBSON
© St. Petersburg Times, TAMPA -- A Hillsborough sheriff's deputy with a history of suspensions and reprimands resigned Friday. Chris Madiedo, 26, wrote in his resignation letter that he had gained valuable experience as a deputy, but was leaving to pursue other opportunities. The letter did not indicate what he plans to do. His resignation was effective immediately. Madiedo became a deputy in 1996. He was named officer of the month in March and December of 1999, and described as a team player and aggressive worker in drug-related investigations. Although his performance typically was evaluated as satisfactory, he compiled a record of disciplinary actions. The most serious was a 15-day suspension given in October 1998 after he shot an unarmed motorist twice in the back. Madiedo told investigators that the motorist, Howard Richmond, had tried to grab his gun after he pulled Richmond over for a traffic stop. Richmond and three witnesses, however, said Richmond was running away when he was shot. Prosecutors later dropped charges against Richmond of marijuana possession, battery on a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest. He hired a lawyer and sued the Sheriff's Office. The case has not yet gone to trial. Most recently, Madiedo was suspended for three days after getting into a fight at the Tiny Tap Tavern while off duty about 2:30 a.m. Dec. 2. Investigators decided he had committed misdemeanor battery, misused his badge while consuming alcoholic beverages and lied about what happened. Other disciplinary actions included a one-day suspension for failing to appear when subpoenaed and reprimands for not following procedure and for his involvement in a car accident.
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From the Times Sandra Thompson |
