Police workers accused of theft

By LEANORA MINAI

© St. Petersburg Times, published July 18, 2000

ST. PETERSBURG -- A custodial foreman for the St. Petersburg Police Department and two of his part-time workers are on paid administrative leave pending an investigation into accusations they stole from the department.

The foreman, Edward A. Williams, declined to talk about the allegations Monday, as did Police Department supervisors.

"Right now, the investigation is ongoing, and I can't discuss it," said Williams, 29.

Part-time workers Linda L. Pate, 51, and Glenda F. Caldwell, 42, both of St. Petersburg, also are being investigated by the department.

Williams is the nephew of St. Petersburg police Lt. Donnie Williams, a subject in a major drug-dealing investigation. Lt. Williams has denied any wrongdoing.

His nephew has worked at the department since 1996, when he was hired as a part-time custodian. He was promoted to a full-time position in January 1999. He received an employee notice and a five-day suspension in February after he entered a restaurant intoxicated and wearing his maintenance uniform and St. Petersburg police jacket, according to personnel files.

The part-time workers also have received employee warnings. Pate was counseled for chronic absenteeism. Caldwell was warned for threatening an employee.

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