Deputy chief placed on leave

FLORENCE -- A Florence Police department deputy chief has been placed on administrative leave, authorities said.

Florence Police Chief Rick Singleton confirmed Wednesday that Deputy Chief Pete Williford has been placed on temporary leave.

"We had an employee who filed a complaint (against Williford), and it is being investigated," Singleton said. "He has been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation, which is normal procedure.

"When the investigation is completed, we will determine what action, if any, will be taken."

Singleton declined to comment further on the nature of the complaint or specifics of the allegation.

Williford said he was off work a couple of days and planned to return to his duties Monday.

He released a prepared statement so that rumors and unsubstantiated accusations "don't prevail over the truth,'' he said.

He said the complaint against him is from Capt. Melissa Beasley who has accused him of sexual harassment after a comment he made about her hair, he said in the statement.

Also in the statement released Wednesday, he cites two other subordinates, Catrina Simbeck and Salina Daniels, who have apparently come forward with similar charges concerning comments he's accused of making about hair and weight to one and wearing apparel to the other.

In his statement, Williford claims his comments were either taken out of context or he has denied the allegations altogether.

"When you are in a position of management and you do your job properly by holding subordinates accountable to their responsibilities, you can be a threat to those that do not perform,'' Williford said in the statement. "So the best defense is a good offense.''

Willford said he has not been informed of any rules, policies or procedures he has violated and he does not expect any disciplinary action since he has not violated any rules, policies or procedures, "nor have I harmed anyone.''

"I am very saddened that we (the department) are going to have to do through this during a time we are all hurting and grieving from the loss of David Young,'' he said in his statement.

As Williford's direct supervisor, Singleton said he would conduct the investigation. He said he hopes to complete the investigation by Friday or early next week.

Tom Smith can be reached at 740-5757 or tom.smith@timesdaily.com.