- April 25, 2024
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By: Shannon Martin
Public Affairs Officer, Flagler County Sheriff's Office
Flagler County Sheriff’s Office Detective Richard Petkovsek will return to work after a six-week suspension without pay after being arrested by the St. Augustine Police Department for disorderly intoxication and resisting arrest outside the White Lion Bar and Lounge on Nov. 23, 2019.
"While he was not fired, significant discipline is being imposed. We believe that he will successfully complete his disciplinary probation agreement and live up to the standard of conduct expected of each FCSO employee.”
— MARK STROBRIDGE, FCSO chief of staff
The State Attorney’s Office offered Detective Petkovsek a Deferred Prosecution Agreement. A DPA is often provided to qualifying individuals charged with misdemeanor offenses who have no prior arrests and upon successful completion of all requirements the charges are dismissed. Petkovsek accepted the offer on Dec. 11.
The FCSO then conducted an internal investigation into the incident which determined he had violated agency standards and policies by his off-duty actions.
As a result, Deputy Petkovsek received discipline that included: A suspension without pay for 42 days; the rescinding of his planned transfer to a specialized unit; a requirement that he write an apology to the FCSO, the St. Augustine Police Department and the White Lion Bar and Lounge; reimbursement by Petkovsek of the costs of the investigation and prosecution; forfeiture of annual step pay increase for 2020; mandatory Employee Assistance Program; and disciplinary probation for one year. During this time, any future policy violations can result in his termination from employment without recourse. The agency discipline is in addition to his requirements from the State Attorney’s Office.
“While the FCSO does not in any way condone Detective Petkovsek’s actions, up until this incident he has demonstrated nothing but professionalism and passion for community service including being the 2017 Crime Stoppers of Northeast Florida Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for Flagler County,” FCSO Chief of Staff Mark Strobridge said. “While he was not fired, significant discipline is being imposed. We believe that he will successfully complete his disciplinary probation agreement and live up to the standard of conduct expected of each FCSO employee.”
Video of the incident and arrest, along with the disciplinary probation agreement and internal investigation can be viewed at https://www.dropbox.com/sh/cwp5a0per6im0ql/AADdq_F-VE9DcYmgIMSJnG79a?dl=0
