Chief Deputy Ferrante under investigation
In a strange twist of occurance, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office has announcing that effective immediately, Deputy Chief Charles Ferrante has been placed on Administrative Leave with pay pending the outcome of an Internal Affairs Investigation, according to agency spokesman John Sheehan.
Deputy Chief Ferrante, the second in command at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, was expected to officially turn in his letter of retirement Monday effective April 18, according to Sheriff Mike Scott.
Chief Ferrante, who has served the local Sheriff’s for 20 years, was appointed to his position by Sheriff Scott on January 1, 2005. Among the many responsibilities, he oversees the operations of the five bureaus — patrol, investigations, special operations, corrections, and administration.
Chief Ferrante is the acting sheriff in the absence of Sheriff Mike Scott.
There was no further comment in Sheehan’s statement due to the active investigation.