Internal investigation finds two policy violations; detective loses pay and vehicle privileges
The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office has completed an internal investigation into Detective Ardit Coma following an incident that occurred on the morning of December 4. The investigation resulted in disciplinary action against the detective.
The FCSO Professional Standards Unit determined that Detective Coma committed two violations of agency policy under General Order 020: Standards of Conduct.
The first violation involved the Unbecoming Conduct policy, which requires that personnel conduct themselves at all times, both on and off duty, in a manner that reflects most favorably on the sheriff’s office. The second violation involved the Operating Vehicles policy, which requires personnel to operate official vehicles in a careful and prudent manner while obeying all laws and agency orders pertaining to vehicle operation.
As a result of the investigation’s findings, Detective Coma received a two-day suspension without pay, resulting in a monetary loss of $851.48 in wages and benefits. He also lost use of his agency vehicle for 90 days.
The detective waived his right to a formal disciplinary hearing, allowing the matter to be resolved quickly once investigations were completed.
“Sheriff Staly believes in accountability and transparency, and Detective Coma accepted full responsibility for his actions and quickly waived a formal disciplinary hearing, which allowed us to resolve this matter quickly once all investigations were completed,” said Chief of Staff Mark Strobridge.
Strobridge noted that agency employees are held to higher standards than average drivers, which is why Detective Coma faced additional discipline beyond any court-determined traffic infraction fine.
“His actions hurt the image of our agency and the trust people have in the men and women who work hard to serve and protect our citizens,” Strobridge said. “It is my hope he will learn from his mistake and move forward solving crimes and seeking justice for victims.”
