Police Officer Jervis Middleton was fired on Friday after allegations of providing information about police officers to a Black Lives Matter organizer surfaced.
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council announced that Officer Jervis Middleton had been terminated after a nine hour hearing, including two hours of closed-door discussions. The police chief and disciplinary board recommended the termination “for violating several department policies for providing information – including details about officers working during the protest to Black Lives Matter protest leader Sarah Williams, a friend of Middleton’s.”
The council found Middleton guilty of “overall misconduct” and “sharing internal police information.” Middleton was accused of providing copies of sensitive “law enforcement only” communications which outlined staffing, operational, and deployment plans for protests.
Former Officer Middleton challenged the termination, arguing it was free speech.
Lt. David Biroschik testified that they discovered that Middleton shared private police emails with march organizer Sarah Williams, along with information about specific officers who were working during those marches. https://t.co/EvUSC9uso0
— LEX 18 News (@LEX18News) February 18, 2021
After deliberating for about two hours, Lex city council members are back in session to render their decision regarding Police Officer Jervis Middleton’s fate. They could choose to accept recommendation to fire him, hand down lesser charge, or dismiss the charges. @LEX18News pic.twitter.com/EB3I9MEkUE
— Mike Valente (@ValenteLEX18) February 19, 2021
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