By Suzy Kridner
EDGEWATER -- Police Chief Dave Arcieri is back at work after spending more than a month on paid administrative leave.
Chief Arcieri was relieved of his duties in early January after a police officer said he had withheld information in a Florida Department of Law Enforcement investigation. The probe came about when officers claimed they completed college course work for the chief.
That investigation was closed a year ago when allegations weren't substantiated, according to City Manager Tracey Barlow.
The FDLE has completed interviews in the current investigation and, according to Chief Arcieri's attorney, Michael Politis, the FDLE findings have been turned over to the States Attorney's office.
The State Attorney will make a decision whether to file criminal charges or report "no information for lack of evidence," Mr. Politis said Monday.
"I feel confident that the State Attorney is not going to come back with any charges," Mr. Politis said.
Mr. Barlow said he recommended Chief Arcieri return to work even though the investigation wasn't concluded because the interviews were finished.
Mr. Barlow said the purpose of the administrative leave was so the FDLE could conduct interviews without any interference or anyone alleging influence by the chief.
"It was the only way to keep credibility of the whole investigation, he said. "The chief didn't even know the allegations until the FDLE interviewed him."
"I had to protect the integrity of the police department," Mr. Barlow said.
Officer Chad Anderson who brought up the recent allegations resigned even before the investigation was completed and did not give a reason, he said.
Mr. Politis said Chief Arcieri was cooperative with the investigation.
"He wanted to clear up the cloud," Mr. Politis said. "What the city manager did was prudent and now he wants the chief back and working."
"My job is done," Mr. Politis said. "Based on my knowledge, there was much ado about nothing."
Retired Police Chief Richard Overman filled in as acting administrator during the absence of Chief Arcieri.
Chief Overman is a 32-year veteran of law enforcement and retired after serving his last 10 years as police chief of Delray Beach.