Weather | Sports | Forums | Comics | Classifieds | Calendar | Movies
By ERIC STIRGUS
© St. Petersburg Times, published October 29, 2000
LARGO -- Despite finding what they believe was criminal misconduct by a former Largo police officer, state prosecutors have decided not to pursue charges against anyone involved in the youth Explorer post scandal.
Assistant State Attorney Beverly Andringa notified Largo's acting police Chief Judy Gershkowitz of the decision this week.
"Based on your investigation and interviews, as recorded, there is documentation of criminal misconduct occurring in 1990," Andringa wrote. "However, the statute of limitations has expired precluding any criminal prosecution."
Prosecutors reviewed the Police Department's investigation into allegations that several officers had improper relationships with members of the program for youths ages 14 to 21.
Officer Patrick McKeever admitted having sex with a 17-year-old female Explorer in 1990. Andringa said Friday that the statute of limitations for unlawful sexual activity with a minor expired three years after the alleged act. McKeever later resigned.
Officer Karl Gracy was suspended for five days after investigators determined he had consensual sex off duty once with a female Explorer in 1992. Officer Scott Doerflein was given a three-day suspension for taking a female Explorer to his apartment. He denied having sexual relations with the Explorer. Sgt. Melanie Holley, a former Explorer adviser, was given a written reprimand for not reporting facts and rumors about alleged improper conduct between officers and Explorers.