Charlotte County Sheriff's Office

Case Master Report IA-15-8

Date Initiated 07/24/2015

Warning
Contains entities exempt from disclosure

Primary Information
AGENCY: CHARLOTTE COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

DIVISION: INTERNAL AFFAIRS

Lead LEO: Rodriguez, Andres Herschdorfer (2355 / INTERNAL AFFAIRS / Charlotte County Sheriff's Office)

Type Of Case: INTERNAL AFFAIRS INVESTIGATION

Case Description: IA 15-8 Eric Ireland RE: Harassment

Case Status
Case Status: CLOSED

Case Status Date: 09/02/2015

Disposition Code: Sustained

Disposition Date: 09/02/2015

Dissemination: System Wide

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 Charlotte County Sheriff's Office

INVESTIGATIVE REPORT IA-15-8

Report Date: 07/24/2015

Warning
Contains entities exempt from disclosure

Primary Information
Description: IA 15-8 Eric Ireland RE: Harassment

Reporting LEO: Rodriguez, Andres Herschdorfer (2355 / INTERNAL AFFAIRS / Charlotte County Sheriff's Office)

Approval Status: Approved

Approved Date: 09/23/2015

Approved By: Rodriguez, Andres Herschdorfer (2355 / INTERNAL AFFAIRS / Charlotte County Sheriff's Office)

Address #1 - OBSERVED #1 - 24467 Sandhill Blvd

Primary Information

Address: 24467 Sandhill Blvd, FLORIDA , UNITED STATES

Description: Applebee's

Address #2 - RELATED #1 - 4342 MCCULLOUGH ST

Primary Information

Address: 4342 MCCULLOUGH ST, FLORIDA , UNITED STATES

Offenses
Offense Type Offense Attempted/Committed Statute UCR Class
GENERAL ORDER HARASSMENT COMMITTED G.O. # 99
3.50.F.4.d.2
3
GENERAL ORDER Compliance with a Lawful Order of a Supervisor or COMMITTED G.O. # 3.50 99
Internal Affairs Investigator F.4.a.1

Subject #1 - WITNESS #1 - Izzo, Brianna

Primary Information

Subject Name: Izzo, Brianna

Record Type: PERSON

Bio: WHITE, FEMALE

Juvenile: NO

Relationship Information

Related Offense: WITNESS of

Subject #2 - WITNESS #2 - Liberator, Alicia

Primary Information

Subject Name: Liberator, Alicia

Record Type: PERSON

Bio: WHITE, FEMALE

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Subject #2 - WITNESS #2 - Liberator, Alicia - Continued

Primary Information - Continued

Juvenile: NO

Relationship Information

Related Offense: WITNESS of

Subject #3 - Subject Officer #1 - Ireland, Eric W

Primary Information

Exempt From Disclosure: YES

Subject Name: Ireland, Eric W

Record Type: LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICIAL

Bio:

Birth Date: 1 - Home, DOB, other

Juvenile: NO

LEO ID: 2891

Relationship Information

Related Offense: Subject Officer of

Officers
LEO
Mann, Tyler Lee (2260 / Charlotte County Sheriff's Office)
Ellsworth, Gary Raymond (241 / Charlotte County Sheriff's Office)
Combs, Leamon Jr (494 / Charlotte County Sheriff's Office)

Narrative
I.A. 15-8
On July 24, 2015, the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Internal Affairs Unit initiated an internal investigation on Deputy First Class
Eric Ireland on charges related to Harassment under Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Operations Manual G.O. 3.50F (4) d (23) and
Compliance with a Lawful Order of a Supervisor or Internal Affairs Investigator under Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Operations
Manual G.O. 3.50F (4) a (1) .
This investigation stems from an inter-office memorandum sent by Corporal Tyler Mann (hereinafter “Cpl. Mann”) documenting a
citizen complaint made by Alicia Liberatore (hereinafter “Liberatore”), a manager at Applebee’s in Punta Gorda. The complainant
alleges Deputy First Class Eric Ireland’s (hereinafter “DFC Ireland”) conduct towards an employee of Applebee’s was inappropriate.
Liberatore alleges DFC Ireland has been harassing Kirstie Fredericks (hereinafter “Fredericks”), a waitress at Applebee’s.
Summary of the Inter-Office Memorandum submitted by Cpl. Mann:
On July 24, 2015, Cpl. Mann submitted an inter-office memorandum detailing a complaint received from Liberatore reference to DFC
Ireland. The memo details a conversation Cpl. Mann had with Deputy First Class Leamon Combs (hereinafter “DFC Combs”).
On July 23, 2015, Cpl. Mann received a phone call from DFC Combs informing him he had received a complaint about DFC Ireland.
Following the phone call, Cpl. Mann met with DFC Combs who informed him while having lunch at Applebee’s in Punta Gorda, (24467
Sandhill Blvd), he was approached by the manager, Liberatore, and informed of a recent incident involving one of her employees and
DFC Ireland. The employee was identified as Fredericks.
Liberatore alleged Fredericks had arrived to work just after 11:A.M. and was upset and crying, adding Fredericks had been recently
stopped by DFC Ireland and was threatened to either get a citation or to give him her phone number.
Note: the above statement was later clarified by Fredericks who stated DFC Ireland threatened to give her a citation if she would not
go out on a date with him.
Liberatore added she did not believe DFC Ireland’s conduct towards Fredericks was appropriate, adding DFC Ireland has been going
to Applebee’s in uniform for an extended time frame and had been sitting in Fredericks' section flirting with her as she worked.

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Narrative - Continued

After speaking with DFC Combs, Cpl. Mann met with Lieutenant Garry Ellsworth (hereinafter “Lt. Ellsworth”) and Captain Sherman
Robinson (hereinafter “Capt. Robinson”) and the above information was relayed.
Summary of Lt. Ellsworth interview with Fredericks
On July 23, 2015, Lt. Ellsworth met with Fredericks at the mid-county office in order to obtain a sworn taped statement detailing her
involvement in this case.
Prior to the interview, Fredericks was placed under oath and the term perjury was discussed. Fredericks, who is a waitress at
Applebee’s, stated she knows DFC Ireland as one of her regulars who typically comes into the restaurant with DFC Combs for lunch
on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
During the interview, Fredericks admitted to being interested in DFC Ireland in the past. Fredericks stated during one of his visits to
Applebee’s, DFC Ireland asked her for her cell phone number and she provided it to him. DFC Ireland sent her a text the same day
with his number and since she was in a relationship at the time, she sent him a reply text expressing remorse for providing Ireland
with her cell phone number.
Fredericks stated two days after she had sent him the text, DFC Ireland returned to the restaurant and continued to flirt with her.
Fredericks stated this made her feel anxious, adding Ireland would tell her she had nice eyes and teeth and if it did not work out with
her boyfriend, he would like to take her out on a date. Fredericks added that every time DFC Ireland would ask her out, she would say
no, but stated she might have joked around and may have said in a joking manner that maybe when her boyfriend and her are not
together. When asked when this occurred Fredericks stated about a month ago.
Frederick then went on to describe the traffic stop with DFC Ireland stating on the morning of July 23, 2015, she pulled out of her
house and drove towards Ackerman, when she noticed a patrol car on Ackerman Ave. Fredericks stated the patrol car followed her
onto Midway Blvd, staying approximately four (4) cars behind hers.
Fredericks continued traveling on Midway Blvd, crossing over Tamiami Trail. Just prior to the speed changing to 40 miles an hour,
the patrol vehicle changed lanes, passing the vehicle behind her and initiated its emergency lights. Once the lights were activated,
Fredericks stated she stopped her car.
After her vehicle stopped, DFC Ireland exited the patrol car and approached her driver’s side window. During contact, DFC Ireland
acted as though he was surprised to see Fredericks behind the wheel. It is Fredericks belief DFC Ireland was aware she was driving
the vehicle. Fredericks stated she was flustered as she had the old paperwork for her old vehicle and did not know what paperwork
to give him.
DFC Ireland then proceeded to help her sort out her paperwork and told her he was going to give her a ticket. Fredericks stated “I
really cannot afford a ticket, I was not speeding.” To which DFC Ireland replied by stating he could give her a ticket if she was going
41 in a 40.
Fredericks stated DFC Ireland then said he would give her a warning which is when she realized she was going to be late for work.
Based on Fredericks’ statement, DFC Ireland asked her if Liberatore was managing the restaurant, to which she replied that she was
and DFC Ireland stated she would be fine.
Fredericks expressed concerns as her manager, Liberatore was aware DFC Ireland had been stopping by the restaurant and once
she found out he had pulled her over, she would report him.
Fredericks stated DFC Ireland told her not to tell Liberatore he had pulled her over. Fredericks stated she did not want to lie to her
supervisor and told Liberatore about her interaction with DFC Ireland.
When asked if DFC Ireland had asked her out on a date during the traffic stop, Fredericks stated “yes, he said, if you go on a date
with me I will not give you a ticket and then he starts laughing. But I take that as his sense of humor that he always has, I took it like
one of his comments.”
She then again confirmed that DFC Ireland stated if she would go on a date with him he would not give her a ticket.
Frederick added every time DFC Ireland would stop by her place of work, Applebee’s, he would ask her about five times if she would
go on a date with him and the answer was always no. It is her belief he kept saying those comments to get under her skin because he
knew she had a boyfriend and that she would not go on a date with him.
When asked if during the traffic stop, DFC Ireland provided her with a written warning, Frederick stated he did not.
Fredericks added once she noticed DFC Ireland’s vehicle behind her vehicle, she sent her co-worker, Brianna Izzo, a text informing
her DFC Ireland was pulling her over. Fredericks stated once she arrived at Applebee’s, her supervisor, Liberatore, was aware of her
interaction with DFC Ireland. It was Fredericks belief Briana Izzo informed Liberatore about the stop.
Fredericks stated sometime that afternoon, DFC Combs stopped by the restaurant and Liberatore informed him of the incident. After
the complaint was filed, Fredericks stated Liberatore contacted DFC Ireland and requested he stop by the restaurant in order for
them to speak.
Shortly after, Fredericks stated DFC Ireland arrived in his marked patrol car and parked in the rear of the restaurant. Liberatore went
outside to speak with DFC Ireland. Approximately 45 minutes later, Liberatore returned to the restaurant and informed Fredericks
that DFC Ireland would like to speak with her. Fredericks stated she and Liberatore exited the restaurant and made contact with DFC
Ireland in the back parking lot. Fredericks stated DFC Ireland told her he wanted to apologize for making her upset and for making
her think he was following her. When asked if DFC Ireland made any mention of asking her out on a date during the traffic stop,

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Narrative - Continued
Fredericks stated “yah, he said that he appreciates my, how do you put it, he appreciates my loyalty because I have a boyfriend and
he should have accepted my no as no, which it really does not make sense because everyone who is in a relationship with somebody
should always be loyal.”
Fredericks stated at 5:11 P.M., she received a call from an unknown number, later identified to be DFC Ireland. DFC Ireland informed
her he was in trouble and that Liberatore had called and filed a complaint. DFC Ireland added he has a daughter and DFC Combs and
he were going to lose their jobs and did not know what to do.
Fredericks stated she expressed to DFC Ireland she did not want them to lose their jobs and she did not think it went too far, adding
she would talk to his supervisor and file a statement saying that nothing happened.
Fredericks stated DFC Ireland told her Lt. Ellsworth would be calling her. When asked if she felt intimidated by DFC Ireland during
the phone call, Fredericks stated “I felt sorry for him.” When asked why, she stated, “Because he told me he had been crying and
that he doesn’t normally cry and that he would be losing his job and that they sent him home early.”
Fredericks added she felt sad, like she was doing something wrong, that she was the one who caused it.
Frederick stated at 5:19 P.M., she received another call from DFC Ireland informing her Lt. Ellsworth would be calling her. She stated
she informed him she had to go to football practice to which DFC Ireland informed her he would call his supervisor and ask for him
to call her in order for her to clear this up.
When asked how she felt about DFC Ireland, Fredericks’ stated “intimidated still.” When asked if she felt sorry for him, Fredricks
stated “I feel like he called me to save his butt, that’s what I think.”
When asked again if DFC Ireland had asked her out on a date during the traffic stop, Fredericks stated “yes, along with the other
thirty times," referring to the other times when DFC Ireland had stopped by her Applebee’s.
The above is only a summary of Fredericks' statement.

Summary of Capt. Sherman Robinson’s Statement

On July 28, 2015, at approximately 10:57 A.M., I met with Capt. Robinson in order to obtain a sworn taped statement detailing his
involvement in this case.
Prior to the interview, Capt. Robinson was placed under oath and the term perjury was discussed.
Capt. Robinson stated late Thursday afternoon, on July 23, 2015, at approximately 4:00 P.M., he was in the armory and was
approached by Lt. Ellsworth and Cpl. Mann. Lt. Ellsworth informed him he received information from Cpl. Mann, who had received it
from DFC Combs that DFC Ireland had allegedly been stalking or harassing a waitress at Applebee’s.
Capt. Robinson stated he was told DFC Ireland had conducted a traffic stop on a waitress which caused the waitress to be late to
work. This caused the manager to get upset and as a result, she contacted DFC Combs.
Capt. Robinson stated after meeting with Lt. Ellsworth and Cpl. Mann, he met with DFC Ireland and Lt. Ellsworth in his office to
discuss the complaint. Capt. Robinson stated he spoke with DFC Ireland about the complaint and his career with the office.
Capt. Robinson stated DFC Ireland became very upset the more they discussed the allegations. Capt. Robinson added at one point
during the conversation, DFC Ireland told him “if I just go talk to this girl I will settle everything. And everything will just go away
because everything is being blown out of proportion.” At this point, Capt. Robinson stated he stopped DFC Ireland and told him “in
no uncertain terms, you will not go to Applebee’s, you will not contact the manager, and you will not contact the waitress.” Capt.
Robinson stated he made sure DFC Ireland understood, adding Lt. Ellsworth, in his presence, repeated the orders DFC Ireland had
been given at least twice.
Capt. Robinson stated since it was towards the end of shift, he told DFC Ireland to go home and not to have any further discussion
about the issue, to think about what he had done and to see him on Monday morning.
Capt. Robinson ended his statement by stating his conversation with DFC Ireland occurred on Thursday, July 23, 2015, at
approximately 5:00 P.M.
Note: Based on Fredericks statement and the information Lt. Ellsworth observed on her cell phone, DFC Ireland contacted Fredericks
via phone 11 minutes after leaving Capt. Robinson’s office, where based on Lt. Ellsworth and Capt. Robinson’s statements, DFC
Ireland had been told not to contact Fredericks.
The above is only a summary of Capt. Robinson’s statement.
Summary of Lt. Ellsworth’s Statement
On July 28, 2015, at approximately 12:30 P.M., I met with Lt. Ellsworth in order to obtain a sworn taped statement detailing his
involvement in this case.
Prior to the interview, Lt. Ellsworth was placed under oath and the term perjury was discussed.
During the interview, Lt. Ellsworth stated he was approached by Cpl. Mann and informed about the complaint. Cpl. Mann had been
approached by DFC Combs and advised of the allegations made by Liberatore referring to DFC Ireland allegedly harassing one of her
employees.
Lt. Ellsworth stated following his conversation with Cpl. Mann, he approached Capt. Robinson and informed him of the allegations
made against DFC Ireland. At the direction of Capt. Robinson, a meeting with DFC Ireland was arranged. Present at the meeting was
DFC Ireland, Captain Robinson and Lt. Ellsworth.
At the meeting, DFC Ireland was informed of the complaint. Lt. Ellsworth stated DFC Ireland was visibly upset, as his blood pressure

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Narrative - Continued
appeared to be elevated. DFC Ireland began pacing in the office and offered to contact Fredericks and clarify the concerns. Lt.
Ellsworth stated Capt. Robinson and he told DFC Ireland not to go by Applebee’s and not to contact Fredericks.
At the conclusion of their meeting, Lt. Ellsworth and Captain Robinson met with Major Kenville. The Major was informed of the
complaint and instructed Lt. Ellsworth to make contact with Fredericks and obtain a statement from her.
Shortly after leaving Major Kenville’s office, Lt. Ellsworth received a call from DFC Ireland. This call was received at approximately
5:21 P.M. During the phone conversation, DFC Ireland informed Lt. Ellsworth he had received a phone call from Fredericks
expressing a desire to clear up the misunderstanding. Lt. Ellsworth agreed to meet with Fredericks. Several minutes later, at
approximately 5:25 P.M., DFC Ireland contacted Lt. Ellsworth for a second time via phone and informed him Fredericks was getting
ready to go to football practice and if he would call her within 10 minutes, she would be available for an interview. Lt. Ellsworth
agreed to contact Fredericks and DFC Ireland provided Lt. Ellsworth with her contact number. At approximately 5:35 P.M., Lt.
Ellsworth contacted Fredericks via phone and arranged to meet her at the mid-county office in order to obtain a statement from her.
At approximately 6:00 P.M., Lt. Ellsworth and Cpl. Mann met with Fredericks. During the meeting, Fredericks provided a sworn taped
statement. During the interview, Fredericks allowed Lt. Ellsworth the opportunity to see her call list on her cell phone. The call list
had names associated with the phone number except for three entries. An entry indicating “no caller ID”, an entry indicating
1 - Home, DOB, other and a third entry indicating “941-628-0809”. Lt. Ellsworth was able to recognize the second entry as being DFC

Ireland’s cell phone and the third entry as being his own cell phone.
Lt. Ellsworth stated he asked Frederick who she had spoken to when the “no caller ID” call was received and was told it had been
DFC Ireland. Based on Lt. Ellsworth notes, this call was received at 5:11 P.M., shortly after DFC Ireland had left Capt. Robinson’s
office where Capt. Robinson and he had discussed the complaint with DFC Ireland and had ordered DFC Ireland not to make contact
with Fredericks.
The above is only a summary of Lt. Ellsworth’s statement.
Summary of Cpl. Tyler Mann’s Statement
On July 29, 2015, at approximately 8:07 A.M., I met with Cpl. Mann in order to obtain a sworn taped statement detailing his
involvement in this case.
Prior to the interview, Cpl. Mann was placed under oath and the term perjury was discussed. During the interview, Cpl. Mann
confirmed sending the inter-office memorandum dated July 24, 2015, which details the complaint which was brought to DFC Combs
attention by Liberatore.
Cpl. Mann stated on July 24, 2015, he received a call from DFC Combs informing him he needed to meet with him to discuss a
complaint he had received. Cpl. Mann stated shortly after, he met with DFC Combs where he was informed of the complaint made by
Liberatore.
Cpl. Mann stated he was informed by DFC Combs that DFC Ireland was aware of the complaint and that Liberatore had contacted
DFC Ireland via Facebook messenger requesting they meet to discuss the incident. Cpl. Mann stated at that point he checked the
agency’s GPS system and noted DFC Ireland’s vehicle was at Applebee’s. At the conclusion of his meeting with DFC Combs, Cpl.
Mann stated he met with Lt. Ellsworth and relayed the information he received from DFC Combs.
Cpl. Mann stated after meeting with DFC Combs, DFC Ireland called him and informed him he (DFC Ireland) had spoken with both
Liberatore and Fredericks and the complaint was squashed and everything was ok.
Cpl. Mann confirmed that during the month of July, the traffic unit had not received any complaint or had any issues in the area of
Ackerman or McCullough’s and would be surprised to see one of his members conducting traffic enforcement in that area.
Cpl. Mann added he was present when Lt. Ellsworth looked at Fredericks’ phone. He stated he did not see the entries on Fredericks’
phone but did hear Lt. Ellsworth call out what he was reading. Cpl. Mann noted the phone calls and times on his memo.
The above is only a summary of Cpl. Mann’s statement.
Summary of Brianna Izzo’s Statement
On July 31, 2015, at approximately 11:02 A.M., Sgt. Brunette and I met with Izzo at Applebee’s restaurant, located on Sandhill Blvd., in
order to obtain a sworn taped statement detailing her involvement in this case.
Prior to the interview, Izzo was placed under oath and the term perjury was discussed. Izzo stated DFC Ireland and DFC Combs
would come into the restaurant every Tuesday and Thursday for about an hour to an hour and a half. At times, DFC Combs would
leave and DFC Ireland would stay longer. On one occasion, Izzo stated DFC Ireland approached her and requested she ask
Fredericks for her phone number. Izzo stated Fredericks gave Ireland her phone number even though she had a boyfriend and it was
Izzo’s understanding it was not Fredericks’ intention to go out on a date with DFC Ireland.
Izzo stated DFC Ireland continue to come by the restaurant more and more. At times, DFC Ireland would ask Fredericks to have lunch
with him even though he was aware she was working, adding he would continue to ask her questions and would sit for hours on end.
She expressed concerns of being scared that he was stalking her. Izzo stated on the day of the traffic stop, Fredericks called her, but
she did not get an opportunity to answer the phone. She stated she sent her a text inquiring if she was ok. Soon after, Fredericks
called her and told her DFC Ireland was following her. Fredericks stated DFC Ireland was by her home as she saw his car and he
followed her all the way on Midway Blvd, adding DFC Ireland had told Fredericks she had to go on a date with him or he would give
her a ticket.
The above is only a summary of Izzo’s statement.

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Narrative - Continued

Summary of Alicia Liberator’s Statement

On July 31, 2015, at approximately 11:30 A.M., Sgt. Burnette and I met with Liberatore at her home in order to obtain a sworn taped
statement detailing her involvement in this case.
Prior to the interview, Liberatore was placed under oath and the term perjury was discussed. Liberatore stated she is a manager at
Applebee’s and confirmed she had spoken to DFC Combs about the incident involving Fredericks and DFC Ireland.
Liberatore stated Fredericks informed her she was uncomfortable with DFC Ireland and as a result, she wanted to speak with both
Fredericks and DFC Ireland since he was a regular at the restaurant and get both sides of the story.
Liberatore stated after speaking with DFC Combs, she contacted DFC Ireland and asked him to stop by the restaurant so they could
discuss the issue. The three of them spoke and it was her understanding the issue had been cleared up. It was Liberatore’ s belief,
Fredericks had seen DFC Ireland near her home and DFC Ireland had followed her. After speaking with DFC Ireland, it was
Liberatore’s belief Fredericks had seen a different officer when she left her home and DFC Ireland had stopped her as a result of an
unrelated traffic infraction.
Liberatore did state the two had been flirting in the past and Fredericks had been freaking out as she and her boyfriend had gotten
back together. After their conversation, it was Liberatore's belief the issue had been addressed.
The above is only a summary of Liberatore’s statement.

Summary of DFC Leamon Combs’s Statement

On August 11, 2015, at approximately 12:24 P.M., I met with DFC Combs in order to obtain a sworn taped statement detailing his
involvement in this case. Prior to the interview, DFC Combs was placed under oath and the term perjury was discussed.
During the interview, DFC Combs stated he did not have direct knowledge as to the complaint made by the manager of Applebees.
DFC Combs elaborated by stating his only involvement in the case was being approached by Liberatore who expressed
dissatisfaction with DFC Ireland’s action during a traffic stop which involved one of her employees. DFC Combs stated he relayed the
information to Cpl. Mann.
DFC Combs stated he did not discuss the details of the complaint with DFC Ireland, but did speak with him, as it appeared DFC
Ireland was having a major issue with losing his job. DFC Combs stated he told him to calm down and let the investigation take its
course.
DFC Combs stated he did not have any knowledge as to their interaction, but did recall overhearing a conversation between DFC
Ireland and Fredericks, where she invited DFC Ireland to a football game.
The above is only a summary of DFC Comb’s statement.

Supporting documents:
A review of the GPS data indicated DFC Ireland had been in the area of Ackerman prior to conducting a traffic stop on Fredericks’
vehicle. Additionally, GPS data indicated DFC Ireland drove directly in front of Fredericks home prior to the traffic stop. Furthermore,
GPS data indicated when DFC Ireland drove by Fredericks home, he reduced his speed to 12 miles an hour.
GPS data also indicated DFC Ireland had driven by Fredericks' home on the 9th of July, shortly after conducting an ACISS record
check. On this date, GPS data indicated once DFC Ireland drove by Fredericks’ home, he did not proceed down McCullough Street
but turned around right after passing her home.
A review of Charlotte County Sheriffs’ Office internal database (ACISS), indicated DFC Ireland conducted several inquiries on
Fredericks’ name. These inquiries occurred on July 8, July 9, July 15 and July 23. Following three of the four inquiries, GPS data
indicated DFC Ireland drove to the area of Fredericks’ home.
A review of FCIC data indicated DFC Ireland also conducted a person check following the ACISS inquiry.

Summary of Deputy First Class Eric Ireland’s statements:

On August 7, 2015, I along with Inspector Conroy met with DFC Ireland at the Internal Affairs Office in regards to obtaining a sworn
statement in reference to his involvement in this case.
Due to DFC Ireland being a subject officer in this investigation, he was given the opportunity to review the case file, which contained
all the evidence available to this Investigator at the time of the interview.
After reviewing the file and all evidence available at the time of the interview, DFC Ireland, in the presence of Attorney Tauna R Bogle,
his representative, provided a sworn taped statement detailing his involvement in this case.
The interview began at approximately 3:53 P.M. Prior to obtaining a statement from DFC Ireland, he was informed this was an
internal affairs investigation, and advised I, Sergeant Rodriguez, was the officer in charge of the investigation. He was also told the
nature of the investigation along with the name of the complainant. DFC Ireland was placed under oath, provided with the definition
of the term perjury and also provided with the Garrity Rule.
DFC Ireland stated he was familiar with Fredericks as DFC Combs and he are regulars at Applebee’s where Fredericks is a waitress.
DFC Ireland added DFC Combs and he regularly sit at Fredericks’ sections, as she provides good service. DFC Ireland added every
time DFC Combs and he go to Applebee’s, Fredericks wants them to sit in her section.

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Narrative - Continued

DFC Ireland stated he was familiar with the location where Fredericks resided and had her phone number, adding she had told him
where she lives and had provided him with her cell phone number some time at the beginning of July.
DFC Ireland stated outside of a traffic stop which occurred on the 23 of July, he has not had any other official office contact with
Fredericks.
DFC Ireland stated prior to his interaction with Fredericks during the traffic stop, he had conducted traffic enforcement in Punta
Gorda and decided to relocate to the District 2 area. He traveled north on U.S. 41 and turned left off Midway Blvd. He traveled down to
Edgewater Drive and after not seeing much activity, he continued on Midway towards Ackerman. Once on Ackerman, he attempted to
conduct traffic enforcement, but there did not appear to be much movement. DFC Ireland stated where Fredericks lives, McCullough
Street, is the only dead end street on Ackerman, as every other street in the area has a loop. DFC Ireland stated he prefers to use a
dead end road to turn around rather than go around a loop or turn in someone’s driveway. DFC Ireland stated after traveling on
Ackerman, he turned on McCullough Street to turn around and returned back to Ackerman. Once back at Ackerman, he observed
three vehicles pass by at a high rate of speed. DFC Ireland stated he tried to determine the vehicles speeds, but was unable to. DFC
Ireland stated he pulled on the side of the road behind a bush where he believed his vehicle would be concealed and began to run
radar on Ackerman. DFC Ireland stated a few cars went down the street, but he was not able to observe any traffic violations, so he
decided to leave the area and head towards District 4.
DFC Ireland proceeded down Ackerman towards Midway Blvd and took a left on Midway en-route to District 4. He proceeded down
Midway, crossing over U.S. 41, traveling towards Harbor Blvd when he observed a red in color vehicle pull to the left lane and begin
to speed up. Using his radar, DFC Ireland stated the vehicle was traveling at 46 miles an hour in a 35 miles an hour zone. He proceed
to initiate a traffic stop; DFC Ireland got behind the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop on Midway Blvd. and Faraday Street.
DFC Ireland was asked if prior to the stop, he was familiar with Fredericks’ vehicle, to which he stated “I know it’s a red car like a
Mazda, Toyota. It’s a generic red car. If I saw her driving down the street I would have not known it was it.” When asked if he had ever
dealt with the vehicle before, DFC Ireland stated “no.” but added he had ran the tag before “I know I ran it because I was looking at
the notes but I don’t know why I ran it. I run tags all day I just sit on a corner and run tags all day.”
DFC Ireland was asked why he turned on McCullough Street when he was in the area of Ackerman and prior to stopping Fredericks
and he stated “that is the only dead end street on Ackerman, the only dead end street. The reason I do that is because I don’t like
pulling people drive way. I don’t like doing a u turn in the middle of the street. I don’t like doing that so what I do I just go and do a u
turn down the dead end or I can go any other street but I have do a whole loop around to come back out, so the quickest way is to go
down that road (McCullough) and do a u turn and come down to Ackerman.” When asked if there was any other specific reason, DFC
Ireland Stated “No, what so ever.”
NOTE: A review of the GPS Data for the day of the traffic Stop, July 23, 2014, indicated DFC Ireland was in the area of Ackerman just
prior to the traffic stop. Additionally, the GPS data shows DFC Ireland on Fredericks' dead end street (McCullough) at 10:21 A.M., 24
minutes prior to the traffic stop. Speed records indicate DFC Ireland slowed his vehicle speed to 12 miles an hour while traveling
past 4342 McCullough Street, Fredericks' residence.
When asked to describe what had occurred during the traffic stop, DFC Ireland stated once the vehicle came to a complete stop, he
walked up to the red in color car and realized he recognized the driver to be Fredericks. DFC Ireland stated they both began to laugh.
DFC Ireland stated Fredericks inquired as to what she had done and he explained to her, she was traveling at 46 miles an hours in a
35 mile zone. Based on DFC Irelands statement, it was Fredericks’ belief the speed limit was 40 miles an hour.
DFC Ireland stated he then asked Fredericks for her license, registration and proof of insurance. She gave him the license and an
expired registration. Fredericks ultimately found the current registration but provided him with old insurance documents from her
prior car. Based on DFC Ireland’s statement, Fredericks ultimately found all the correct paperwork and he helped her sort out the
expired documents, setting up the current documents in a red pouch she had available.
DFC Ireland stated while organizing her documents, Fredericks’ phone kept ringing and he was told by Fredericks, her boss was
blowing up her phone. DFC Ireland stated when he asked her who the boss was, Fredericks told him it was Liberatore, adding she is
crazy and tried to get her fired twice.
DFC Ireland stated he joked with her and asked Fredericks if she wanted him to write her a ticket so she could show Liberatore she
got pulled over, to which Fredericks replied by stating she could not afford a ticket. DFC Ireland stated he told her he was just
kidding and he was going to write her a warning.
DFC Ireland stated he handed Fredericks her documents and asked her “Do you want me to get you a paper warning”, to which she
replied by asking how long it would take. DFC Ireland stated he explained to her he would need to fill out the paperwork, but
Fredericks stated she had to go.
Following the above statement and without being asked DFC Ireland stated “There is no way absolutely no way I ask her on a date. I
asked for her phone number, I already had her phone number. I did not asked her out on a date. That is ridiculous. This is one of the
big reason I have been trying to get a camera in my car. So you can see I was a completely professional on the stop even though I
knew who she was. I know I was not going to write her a ticket because I knew who she was. I just educated her about the speed.
That is all I did. I got the paper work taken care of for her next time she gets pulled over she is all set. She left, I never ever, ever,
ever and I swear I never asked her on a date. I never asked her for her phone number. If I wanted to ask her on a date I will have just

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called her. I have her phone number, I would not do that on a traffic stop. That is crazy I could not believe that is in there that I said
that.”
DFC Ireland added he had no idea that this is the way Fredericks felt, adding if he knew she was uncomfortable, he would not return
to Applebee’s. DFC Ireland admitted to flirting back and forth with Fredericks but added “there was no crossing the line.” DFC Ireland
stated Fredericks’ statement confused him and if he knew he made her nervous, the traffic stop would have been a bit different.
DFC Ireland was asked if he was familiar with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Procedures to which he replied by stating
“yes I am.”
When asked if there was any reason why that procedure was not followed during Fredericks traffic stop he stated “Are you talking
about the fact that I did not give her a paper warning. It’s because I asked her if she wanted a paper warning and she said no because
I am going to be late. I told her it was going to be in the system.”
DFC Ireland added “Normally, if I am in a traffic stop, if they say I don’t need the paper warning I am not going to give it to them. I let
them know.”
When asked how he first learned about the complaint, DFC Ireland stated he was called by DFC Combs and was told the manager,
Liberatore was upset because Fredricks was late to work. Liberatore then sent him a Facebook message expressing she wanted to
speak with him. DFC Ireland stated he drove to Applebee’s at around 2:00 P.M. and spoke with Liberatore. Liberatore inquired as to
what had occurred on the traffic stop. She told him Fredericks was upset. Liberatore then asked Fredericks to meet with them and
the three discussed the incident. DFC Ireland stated Fredericks told him she was fine and had a lot of stuff going on in her life. DFC
Ireland did state he apologized to Fredericks for making her feel uncomfortable, but denied ever apologizing for asking her out on a
date.
DFC Ireland stated once Liberatore walked away from them, Fredericks apologized to him, stating her manager, Liberatore was crazy
and was upset about the traffic stop. DFC Ireland felt the incident had been resolved and was even asked by Fredericks to come
inside the restaurant for lunch. DFC Ireland stated he did not stay as he had to drive back to headquarters.
DFC Ireland stated after his meeting at headquarters, he was directed to meet with Capt. Robinson. DFC Ireland stated once at the
office, the Captain shut the door and first words out of his mouth was “You may want to think about resigning.” DFC Ireland thought
Capt. Robinson was joking at first, as he would not tell him exactly what the complaint was about. DFC Ireland stated he began to
“freak out” and turn red. Captain Robinson then began to explain the manager at Applebee’s had made a complaint saying he had
asked for an employee’s number on a traffic stop or he would give the employee a ticket to which he denied.
DFC Ireland stated he was told the complaint may possibly be routed to Internal Affairs. DFC Ireland stated he told the Captain “I said
captain I promise you I did not ask for her number on that traffic stop. There is absolutely no way I did that I had her number.”
DFC Ireland stated Capt. Robinson kept talking about the incident and DFC Ireland told Capt. Robinson “I will go to Applebee’s right
now and clear this up.” Based on DFC Ireland’s statement, Capt. Robinson told him “no, no, no don’t go do Applebee’s, don’t go to
Applebee’s.” DFC Ireland stated in Capt. Robinson’s statement he stated he told him “don’t talk to her don’t talk to the manager” but
if he said that he did not remember. DFC Ireland added “I, I was freaking out ok and I don’t, I am not going to say he is a liar, I am
not going to say that at all, I am not going to say that, I was so distraught at the point. I didn’t even go to Applebee’s.”
DFC Ireland stated he believed he was told it was in his best interest not to go to Applebee’s, adding “This is a complaint and they
did not know where it was going. It wasn’t an IA. I did not think I was under any orders not to do anything. All that I remember is that
they said don’t go to Applebee’s. I definitely wasn’t going to Applebee’s.”
DFC Ireland stated he initially thought this complaint was about him asking for Fredericks’ number during the traffic stop and he did
not know that it was about making her feel uncomfortable.
DFC Ireland stated he was sent home for the day and they would speak with him on Monday. He left the office and while driving
called Fredericks and informed her Liberatore had a complaint on him. DFC Ireland stated Fredericks appeared surprised Liberatore
had filed a complaint as it was her belief everything had been resolved. DFC Ireland stated he told Fredericks his Captain had told
him he was going to be fired and he should resign. DFC Ireland stated Fredericks told him she did not want him to get fired. He
added he told Fredericks “I have kids, I got a job I mean I don’t know what the heck is going on right now. Can you do a statement
right now to clear this up that I did not ask for your number in a traffic stop.”
DFC Ireland stated Fredericks agreed to speak with his supervisor. He informed her he would be providing Lt. Ellsworth with her
contact number and to expect a call from him.
DFC Ireland stated he then called Lt. Ellsworth and told him he had just called Fredericks. Adding “I definitely called her.”
After providing Lt. Ellsworth with Fredericks contact number, DFC Ireland stated he called Fredericks back and told her his
Lieutenant would be calling her. At this point, Fredericks informed him she had a flag football game to attend and if his Lieutenant
would call her within the next10 to 15 minutes, she would be able to meet with him. DFC Ireland stated he then contacted Lt.
Ellsworth and provided him with the above information.
Shortly after, Fredericks called DFC Ireland back and informed him she had spoken with Lt. Ellsworth and would be meeting him at
the Promenades Plaza. DFC Ireland stated he was a bit concerned when Fredericks asked him if her manager, Liberatore was going
to read her statement. DFC Ireland stated he told Fredericks to say the truth as she needed to give her side of what occurred.
Later that day, DFC Ireland stated he went to District 4 to use the gym and saw Cpl. Mann. He attempted to discuss the incident with
him, but Cpl. Mann told him he could not talk about it.

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DFC Ireland was asked how he obtained Fredericks number and stated on a prior visit, he did speak with Izzo about Fredericks and
was told Fredericks was going through some issues with her boyfriend and a couple of weeks later, Fredericks approached him and
provided him with a slip of paper which contained a phone number, which he believed to be Fredericks' phone number.
Due to the two investigators being present during DFC Irelands interview, I asked for consent to have the second investigator ask
him additional questions. DFC Ireland waived his right and provided Inspector Conroy with consent to ask questions.
Inspector Conroy commented about DFC Irelands ability to clearly recall small details and inquired as to the conversation he had
with Capt. Robinson and Lt. Ellsworth.
Ireland stated, “I do not remember, if I was told not to talk, contact them, I would not have contacted them, now if he said it, you have
no idea the way I was feeling in that office, I felt like my life was over. I was so distraught at that point, like I could not believe it, this
was such false allegations. Like I am getting like hot right now, just thinking and remembering that conversation because right when
I walked in it was, you should resign. What are your tides, you are known as this person, you’re known as that person, you are this
type of person like I was already guilty. And I could not believe it like I know I did not do it, I know I didn’t do that, I know I did not ask
for her number on a traffic stop. There absolutely no way that I asked her number in a traffic stop.”
When asked if he asked her for a date, he stated “absolutely not.”
DFC Ireland went to express his efforts to obtain a video camera for his vehicle, adding he has had the equipment since he was
assigned to the traffic unit, but it has not been functioning. DFC Ireland stated he is always professional during traffic stops, and
treats everyone the same.
When asked how many times he has been down McCullough Street, DFC Ireland stated “I have been doing it before I even knew her.”
When confronted with the data on ACISS, and why the report indicated he looked up Fredericks' information on the 8th of July, DFC
Ireland stated “I don’t know, I can tell you I know the second one, why I looked her up.”
When asked why he looked her up on the 9th of July, DFC Ireland stated “I don’t know I don’t remember why I looked her up on the
9th.”
When asked why he looked her up on the 15, DFC Ireland stated “yes I know why I looked her up on the 15, because she was talking
about how she got pulled over and she wanted to know if it was a citation, if it was in the system. That’s why I looked her up and I
think I was “at Applebee’s when I looked her up that date, because she wanted to know if it was in our system.”
When asked about his average speed on McCullough, DFC stated “not too fast, I don’t know.” When confronted with the GPS data
which indicated on the date prior to the traffic stop he had traveled on McCullough, and had slowed down to 12 miles an hour
immediately in front of Fredericks' home, DFC Ireland stated “I have no idea.”
When asked if when he passed by Fredericks' house, did he slow down, he stated “ I don’t remember if I slowed down, and if I , there
would not reason, I am telling you this is, I can’t believe it’s to this point, this is not.”
When asked if he could explain why the GPS has him slowing down in front of Fredericks' house, DFC Ireland stated “no, why would
it, I mean why, I mean, I have no idea, it happen long ago.”
When confronted with Fredericks' statement and the GPS data showing him driving by Fredericks’ street shortly before he conducted
the traffic stop, DFC Ireland stated he did not see Fredericks leave her house, or see her turn on Ackerman.
When confronted with the fact the data contradicts his statement, DFC Ireland stated “yeah I know.”
When asked to confirm why he conducted a records check on Fredericks in ACISS, DFC Ireland did not recall why he conducted the
record inquiry on the 8th of July, DFC Ireland stated “it's definitely work related, I don’t know why, that is so long ago, it’s almost a
month ago.”
When asked if he ever conducted a FCIC record check on Fredericks’ vehicle at any time while at Applebee’s, DFC Ireland stated
“yes once.” When asked when, DFC Ireland stated “that’s when she was asking about that ticket.”
When confronted with his prior statement he had conducted a records check on ACISS to inquire about her tickets, DFC Ireland
stated “I did” When asked why he had to conduct an inquiry on FCIC when he was looking for traffic stop history, DFC Ireland stated
“to get her, cause I was going to look up with the car.” DFC Ireland added “the reason I did it was if you run her tag it comes up no
DL found, no DL found, that’s when I went into ACISS and that’s exactly what I did in her traffic stop to, I ran her tag and it come up
no DL found so I went into ACISS to get her DL number, that’s probably what I did there.”
When asked why he had to go into ACISS and obtain her driver’s license information if during the traffic stop Fredericks had her
driver license with her, DFC Ireland stated “she did, but I let her, what happen was I let her go to work, I went into my car, I already
ran her tag, what I did was I took, I looked her up in ACISS to get DL number so I could put it in TRACS.”
When asked how he was able to validate at the time of the stop, Fredericks had a valid driver’s license. DFC Ireland admitted not
conducting a records check through DAVID or FCIC prior to the completion of the traffic stop and allowing Fredericks to continue on
her way.
When confronted with fact he failed to conduct a thorough traffic stop by failing to conduct a driver’s license check and check for
warrants, DFC Ireland stated “I took, I took it as I did not think she was going to have a suspended DL or she was going to be wanted
by the feds.”
When asked to explain what the purpose of the traffic stop was, as he had failed to follow protocol by not conducting a driver’s
license check or a warrants check on Fredericks or had not provided her with written documentation as required per policy, DFC

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Ireland stated “speed, for speed, adding her boss was yelling at her, I knew who she was, it wasn’t like I didn’t know her, and she
needed to get to work, I didn’t want to, I really did not want to make a big deal out of it, that was the whole thing, appears I should
have done what I done every single time.
When confronted with the fact that on this specific incident involving Fredericks, DFC Ireland deviated from the standard procedures,
DFC Ireland stated “Because I knew who she was, and when I am talking to her and getting her stuff together, what really was time
consuming was she didn’t give me all of her, all of the documentation was all messed up and I was trying to organize it for her and
here is her boss getting mad at her because she is late, blowing up her phone is what she is saying, I didn’t want to get her in
trouble. I knew who she was, I knew she wasn’t going to have a suspended, I knew in my thing, I knew she wasn’t going to have a
suspended DL. I just knew it, I knew she wasn’t going to be wanted. And you are absolutely right, I went out of protocol with it. But I
know who she was, I, I, I really didn’t think I was doing anything wrong, I thought I was helping her more than anything cause I
helped her get her paperwork together…’
DFC Ireland denied having knowing prior to the stop that Fredericks was the occupant of the vehicle he was stopping for a traffic
infraction.
When asked if he drove down Fredericks' street (McCullough) to see if her vehicle was at the house, DFC Ireland stated “no.”
When asked if he had conducted a records search of Fredericks prior to the stop to see where she resided, DFC Ireland stated “no, I
am telling you, she, this whole thing is, is crazy, she’s, she gives me her number, she, she asked me out, she asked me, I don’t get
like, I go down there because I am just doing my job I am doing traffic, I am not doing intel on her, I can care less about her. The only
conversation I have ever had with her it’s at Applebee’s, all I do is go there, we conversate back and forth and I leave, I don’t call her,
I don’t talk to her, I don’t need to, I don’t, that’s the thing. This is, this is been, way out of, this is blown way out of proportion. ”
When asked if he had been assigned a specific traffic initiative for the area of Ackerman during the time of the traffic stop, DFC
Ireland stated he had not and was in the area during his free time when he is allowed to patrol any specific area.
When asked how many traffic stops he conducted while doing traffic enforcement in the area of Ackerman, DFC Ireland stated
“none.”
When asked if he has done traffic enforcement in this area in the past, DFC Ireland stated “yes, yes I have.” When asked when, DFC
Ireland stated, “I have done it before I even known her.”
When asked if he conducted any traffic enforcement on Ackerman on the 22nd of July, DFC Ireland stated he could not remember.
When asked if he conducted any traffic enforcement in the area on the 21st of July, DFC Ireland again stated he could not remember.
When asked if he had conducted any traffic enforcement in the area of Ackerman the week prior to stopping Fredericks, DFC Ireland
stated he did not know.
NOTE: A review of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Computer Aided Dispatch software (CAD) where all traffic stop and
enforcement initiatives are document from January 1, 2014 to the present indicated DFC Ireland had NOT conducted any traffic
enforcement or initiative in the area of Ackerman. The only date showing DFC Ireland in the area for official business occurred on
May 19, 2015, when DFC Ireland responded to Ackerman Ave and Wynkoop Cir reference to a reported accident. This data
contradicts DFC Ireland's statement indicating he had conducted traffic enforcement in the area of Ackerman prior to July 23, 2015.
At the conclusion of this interview, DFC Ireland stated “I see the way this looks, this is just a big misunderstanding, it’s all it is. All I
did is do my job and do traffic down there, the reason I go down that street is because it’s a dead end street and all I do is turn
around and cut back and I was going to go right back on to Midway and go back to D4 until I saw those cars and then I said Ok, I’m
going to do some traffic on Ackerman, I did not see her leave her house, I did not see her leave her stop sign going down Ackerman,
I did not see her go down midway…” Adding that during the traffic stop, he did everything, but give her a written warning or run her
in FCIC.

Summary of Deputy First Class Eric Ireland’s follow-up interview:

As a result of some discrepancies during his original interview and the fact DFC Combs had returned from training and a statement
had been obtained from him, on August 12, 2015, at approximately 11:35 A.M., Inspector Conroy and I met with DFC Ireland at the
Internal Affairs Office to conduct a follow-up interview. DFC Ireland was accompanied by his attorney, a representative of his choice,
Elise V. Bouchard.
DFC Ireland was provided with the case file, which included all supporting documents and DFC Combs' audio statement.
Prior to the interview, DFC Ireland was placed under oath and again informed that I, Sergeant Rodriguez, was the officer in charge of
the investigation. He was also told the nature of the investigation along with the name of the complainant.
During the interview, DFC Ireland was asked to clarify why he was in the area of Ackerman on July 23, 2015, to which he stated
“running radar.”
When asked to clarify why he decided to turn on McCullough Street. He stated he used the street to turn around. When asked to
clarify if there was any specific reason why he did not use any other streets in the area, DFC Ireland stated he used McCullough
because it’s the only dead end street off Ackerman.
When asked if he knew prior to July 23, 2015, McCullough was the only dead end street off Ackerman, DFC Ireland stated “yeah, prior
to that yes.” When asked how many times he has been down McCullough, DFC Ireland stated “a few times.”
DFC Ireland stated in the past, he had been down McCullough Street and used the street to turn around. When asked why he had
been

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in the area in the past, DFC Ireland stated “traffic enforcement.”
DFC Ireland was confronted with GPS data which indicated a records check from January 1, 2014 to July 23, 2015, he had only been
down to the area of McCullough and Ackerman twice. DFC Ireland was informed one of the dates listed was the 23rd, the day of the
traffic stop and asked if he knew which one was the other day listed. DFC Ireland stated “ahh, I would say without looking at it was
the 9th.” When asked why he was there on the 9th, DFC Ireland stated “probably the same deal.” When asked to explain, DFC Ireland
stated “I can’t, I don’t know, turning around.”
When asked to clarify his prior statement regarding accessing Fredricks' profile in ACISS to provide her with historical traffic
warning data, DFC Ireland stated it was his belief it occurred on the 9th of July. He stated Fredericks had approached him at
Applebee’s and inquired as to her traffic history and if she had any warning in the system. DFC Ireland stated Fredericks and he
walked out to his car, where he used the agency laptop to access ACISS and retrieve Fredericks’ traffic history.
NOTE: An audit trail conducted on the ACISS database, confirmed on the 9th of July, at approximately 12:10 P.M., DFC Ireland’s login
was used to access Fredericks’ profile. Furthermore, a review of FCIC, also confirmed on the 9th of July, 2015, at approximately
12:00 P.M., DFC Ireland conducted a NCIC/FCIC inquiry on Fredericks’ driver's license.
DFC Ireland was also confronted with the fact he had conducted a records check on Fredericks in ACISS on July 9, 2015, at 12:10
P.M., and GPS data showed him driving on McCullough on the 9th at 12:41 P.M. When asked to explain why he conducted a records
check on Fredericks just prior to driving by her home where there was not official documentation indicating he was conducting any
official traffic enforcement in the area, DFC Ireland, after a brief moment of silence, stated “Ahh, I mean, it’s over a month ago, I
mean, I known where she lives, I know who she is, I mean.”
When asked why he conducted a records check on ACISS at 12:15 P.M. and then went by her home a few minutes later, DFC Ireland
stated “that a good question, I, its.”
DFC Ireland went on to say "the 23rd, when all this occurred, I wasn’t there to see her, I wasn’t there to look at her, I wasn’t there to
meet with her, I really wasn’t. Bottom of my heart, I wasn’t. The 23 I wasn’t. I was doing traffic enforcement it’s all I was doing."
When asked about the 15th of July, DFC Ireland stated “I could have went, I mean, I known, the thing is it was so long ago, it, it you
known your right, I could have went by there but it wasn’t like I ,was…,”
DFC Ireland was asked if he drove by Fredericks home to see if she was there to which he stated “no because I knew her address
already, I swear to god,” when asked why he looked her up in ACISS, he stated “I think because I ran her tag.”
DFC Ireland was confronted with GPS data which contradicted his prior statement regarding his reason for driving down McCullough
Street. DFC Ireland had previously stated the reason he drove down McCullough Street was because he prefers to use the dead end
street to turn around instead of using a person’s driveway or driving down the other streets which loop around.
NOTE: The GPS data for the 9th of July indicated shortly after DFC Ireland conducted a records check on ACISS for Fredericks'
profile, he drove to McCullough Street, and turned around once he passed Fredericks home, either on the street or using a
residential drive.
When confronted with the fact all the supporting data contradicts his statement, DFC Ireland stated “I know, it does.” When asked to
explain why he turned in the middle of the street when he himself had stated he does not do that, DFC Ireland stated “I know, I , I, I
know, I don’t, I know.”
When confronted with data indicating from January 1, 2014 to July 23, 2015, he had not conducted any traffic enforcement on
Ackerman to include pulling 60Ts, DFC Ireland stated “yeah I don’t, I know.”
NOTE: The only time internal databases show DFC Ireland in the area of Ackerman and McCullough Street is associated with DFC
Ireland conducting a records check of Fredericks before traveling to the area of McCullough.
DFC Ireland was also confronted with his previous statement which he stated he had positioned his patrol vehicle near a bush on
Ackerman to conceal himself while he conducted traffic enforcement and with the fact there was no evidence indicating he stopped
any vehicle except for Fredericks' vehicle as a result of the alleged enforcement. When asked how many vehicles he stopped as a
result of the enforcement, DFC Ireland stated “I did not get anybody.”
When confronted with the supporting evidence, DFC Ireland stated “I mean, I known where she lives, I have driven by her house.”
When asked why, he stated. “Honestly, cause McCullough is where I turn around but the thing is, I never.”
DFC Ireland was explained the evidence indicated he was not being honest and asked to clarify what his intentions were when he
drove by Fredericks' home and if he drove down the road to see her, DFC Ireland stated “I kinda wana say yes, just because it’s all
there.”
When asked if on the days he looked up Fredericks’ profile in ACISS and drove by her home, was it his intention to see if she was
there or if her vehicle was there, DFC Ireland stated “the intent, I would not say the intent.” Adding that he drove down and seen her
house and seen her and seen her car.
When asked to explain what the evidence is saying, DFC Ireland stated “its saying I am lying.”
When asked if he was lying, DFC Ireland stated “I don’t, I don’t feel, see I’m trying to explain it in a way it’s not like I looked her up
and then I am going to drive by her house, I am going to see her.”
DFC Ireland continued to attempt to explain why he was in the area ultimately stating, “now did I go down there to see her, go down
turn around and look at her car, and look at her, hell yeah, Ok I have done that”.
DFC Ireland continued to state it was not his intention to see if Fredericks was home on the 23rd of July adding his main reason for

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going down McCullough St. was to turn around. When asked why he had chosen McCullough Street and what benefit it brought him,
DFC Ireland stated “two benefits, her house is there and I can loop around.”
DFC Ireland stated he did not want to be perceived as harassing or stalking her because he is not. DFC Ireland went on to say he is
not a harasser or a stalker adding the stop on the 23rd of July was a coincidence.
DFC Ireland again waived his right and allowed Inspector Conroy to ask him questions.
DFC Ireland denied having a romantic interest with Fredericks. DFC Ireland alluded it was Fredericks who was asking him to go with
her to football games. He stated he was not interested in her because she was a bit too young for him. DFC Ireland clarified his
statement by stating at first he did have a romantic interest in her until he found out she was twenty three.
DFC Ireland admitted to knowing Fredericks’ vehicle as he had seen it in the past to include in one of the instances when he drove by
her home, but denied recognizing the vehicle when he conducted the traffic stop on the 23rd of July.
DFC Ireland admitted to seeing Fredericks’ vehicle at her home when he drove by her home on the 23rd of July, prior to the traffic
stop but alleges he did not see her leave.
DFC Ireland again admitted to driving by Fredericks’ home on the 23rd of July, but his intentions were not to get out or knock on her
door. DFC Ireland stated he was not following her and the only reason he stopped her was because she was speeding.
DFC Ireland stated he could not explain the supporting evidence (GPS, CAD, and Record Searches) stating. “I wish I never went
down there, I wish I never went, I wish I never met her, because now look at this predicament I am in now."
At the conclusion of the interview, DFC Ireland stated “he just wanted to clarify Captain Robinson and Ellsworth’s, I, like I said, when
I was in the office, first thing they were saying is that I should resign, that I should quit, or whatever the case may be I was flustered, I
was crazy.
I honestly did not hear them tell me don’t talk to her. I said I will go to Applebee’s and clear this up, and they said don’t go to
Applebee’s, my mind set at that time was it wasn’t an IA, I did not get served any papers, it’s a third party complaint. I didn’t go to
Applebee’s. I did not contact to the party that complained. I talked to the person who had no idea about the complaint. They said they
did not know where it was going. It’s a third party complaint. I did not think that I, I honestly did not think I crossed the line. That was
a complete misunderstanding, I apologize for that, I just want her, her, I just to go give her statement, like I said tell the truth, you
know what happened just tell the truth.”
DFC Ireland went on to say he did not hear Capt. Robinson or Lt. Ellsworth tell him not to contact Fredericks. He understands he
should have used common sense knowing this was a complaint but attributes his actions to his mental status as he stated “a million
things were running through my head at the time.”
Summary of Deputy First Class Eric Ireland’s request to speak with the investigator:
On August 12, 2015, at approximately 5:34 P.M., I received a phone call from DFC Ireland's cell phone. I was unavailable at the time
and the call went to voicemail. At approximately 8:29 P.M., I returned DFC Ireland’s call. During my phone conversation with DFC
Ireland, he requested to meet with me the following day as he needed to clarify his prior statements. I agreed to meet with DFC
Ireland and at his request a meeting was scheduled for the following Thursday, August 13, 2015.
On August 13, 2015 at approximately 8:00 A.M., DFC Ireland met Inspector Conroy and I at the Internal Affairs office. Prior to
discussing any matters related to this case, the audio recorder was turned on to assure the conversations between DFC Ireland and I
were recorded and available for review.
DFC Ireland was informed we were at the office at his request and to proceed with the information he intended to share. DFC Ireland
stated he wanted to clarify some of the statements he had said.
DFC Ireland alluded he should have elaborated further adding that he did not answer the questions wrong, but rather in a way he did
not like.
DFC Ireland stated when he was asked about the ACISS queries and asked if he looked Fredericks up in ACISS in order to go by her
house and he said no, adding he meant no, but what he should have said is “I looked her up and yes I went by her house.” DFC
Ireland added he did not look her up for the purpose of going by her house. DFC Ireland stated he already knew where she lived
since Fredericks herself had given him her address.
DFC Ireland went on to provide reasons as to why he accessed Fredericks' information on ACCIS. He stated the 23rd was for the
traffic stop and on the 9th to inform her about the traffic warnings. He believes the 8th was the result of running her tag in the course
of conducting traffic enforcement. For the 15, DFC Ireland stated he could not explain why he accessed her record on the 15, stating
“I don’t know if it was for business or personal, I don’t know, I can’t justify why I looked her up on the 15...”
DFC Ireland stated he should have come to the interview by himself and did not need someone telling him how to say things. DFC
Ireland was emotional at times and expressed he did not know he was causing a problem and did not know Fredericks felt this way.
DFC Ireland was asked to clarify the reason he had driven by Fredericks residence and asked if he drove by the residence for work
related purposed or for personal reasons. DFC Ireland stated “it was, it was both, but I did want to see if she was there, but I did work
purposes, to turn around.” Adding that he was not going to lie if she was outside he would have probably said hi.
During this visit, DFC Ireland was asked if he would allow Inspector Conroy to ask him questions and he stated he could.
DFC Ireland again stated he had used McCullough Street as a way to turn around and in the hopes of seeing Fredericks.
When asked why he was at the office, DFC Ireland stated he wanted to clarify his statement as he believes he twisted his words,
adding he was embarrassed and scared and did not want to lose his job. He felt he should have been more open during his
interviews.

06/03/2019 15:21:28 Page 12 of 14

 Charlotte County Sheriff's Office

INVESTIGATIVE REPORT IA-15-8

Report Date: 07/24/2015

Narrative - Continued

CONCLUSION
During the course of this investigation, I have reviewed the memo submitted by Cpl. Mann, the statement obtained by Lt. Ellsworth,
all witness statements and supporting information, along with Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office General Order 3.50 (the policy
governing Guidelines for Appropriate Conduct/Disciplinary Procedures).
The complaint alleges DFC Ireland had been following and harassing Fredricks. In her statement Fredericks alleges on the 23rd of
July, DFC Ireland was waiting for her as she left her home and followed her for several miles until he conducted a traffic stop which
she alleges he asked her out on a date. Fredericks’ allegations are supported by Izzo who stated Fredericks had spoken to her
shortly after the stop and she was scared and expressed concerns over DFC Ireland’s actions.

A review of the GPS data confirmed DFC Ireland had been patrolling the area of Ackerman and had driven by Fredericks' home just
prior to the traffic stop. Furthermore, a review of the ACISS database, indicated DFC Ireland had conducted, on four different
occasions, a records inquiry of Fredericks. One of the occasions was associated with the traffic stop of July 23, but the other two did
not correlate to any Sheriff’s Office business. Additionally, a review of the GPS data indicated in two of the three incidents, DFC
Ireland accessed Fredericks’ records in ACISS shortly before driving by her home.

Based on DFC Ireland’s statement, he was in the area of Ackerman to conduct traffic enforcement. A review of the patrol activity did
not validate his claim. The patrol activity between January 2014 and July 2015, indicated DFC Ireland had not conducted any traffic
enforcement in the area of Ackerman. This time frame included all of the occasions DFC Ireland conducted an ACISS/FCIC search of
Fredericks and drove to the area of her home.

Furthermore, DFC Ireland stated he only traveled by Fredericks’ home on McCullough Street, a dead end street, to turn around as he
does not like to turn around in driveways. However, GPS evidence contradicted DFC Ireland's statement showing that at least in one
occasion, DFC Ireland drove by Fredericks' home and turned around just past her residence; possibly in a driveway or in the middle
of the street.

DFC Ireland himself could not explain why he retrieved Fredericks’ information on the 9th of July. Outside of the July 23rd entry,
there are no legitimate work related reasons why DFC Ireland retrieved Fredericks’ records of July 8th, July 9th or July 15th.

Additionally, DFC Ireland stated during his meeting with Capt. Robinson and Lt. Ellsworth, he was flustered and upset about the
allegations. He does remember being told not go to by Applebee’s, but stated he did not recall being told not to contact Fredericks.
Both Capt. Robinson and Lt. Ellsworth stated they specifically recall telling DFC Ireland not to contact Fredericks. In fact, both
parties clearly remember telling DFC Ireland multiple times not to contact the complainant or Fredericks. The investigation revealed
just after leaving his meeting with Capt. Robinson and Lt. Ellsworth, DFC Ireland contacted Fredericks via phone.

Throughout this investigation, DFC Ireland took steps to deceive this investigator through his omission of facts. Even in his own
statements, DFC Ireland alluded he should have elaborated further adding he answered the questions in a way he did not like. The
evidence presented in the case contradicted DFC Ireland statements and clearly showed even after being provided with many
opportunities to truthfully answer the question presented, DFC Ireland committed perjury by providing false testimony while under
oath.

In addition, this investigator finds DFC Ireland violated the Charlotte County Sheriff Office Operations Manual G.O. 3.50F (4) d (34),
governing the use of Communications Facilities; Equipment; or Programs such as DAVID, FCIC/NCIC by using FCIC for unofficial
purposes.

In conclusion, this investigator finds there is a preponderance of evidence to indicate DFC Ireland violated the harassment policy
under Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Operations Manual G.O. 3.50F (4) d (23). Furthermore, this investigator also finds there is
preponderance of evidence DFC Ireland violated a direct order from two supervisors, a violation of Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office
Operations Manual G.O. 3.50F (4) a (1). These charges are SUSTAINED

As a result of the investigation, this investigator also finds there is preponderance of evidence, DFC Ireland provided false testimony
while under oath, a violation of Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Operations Manual G.O. 3.50F (4) c (2) governing Perjury in an
official proceeding, and violated Operations Manual G.O. 3.50F (4) d (34), governing the use of Communications Facilities;
Equipment; or Programs such as DAVID, FCIC/NCIC. These charges are also SUSTAINED.

I,

06/03/2019 15:21:28 Page 13 of 14

 Charlotte County Sheriff's Office

INVESTIGATIVE REPORT IA-15-8

Report Date: 07/24/2015

Narrative - Continued
the undersigned, do hereby swear, under penalty of perjury, to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief, I have not
knowingly or willfully deprived, or allowed another to deprive, the subject of the investigation of any rights contained in ss. 112.532
and 112.533, Florida Statutes.

Andres H. Rodriguez
Sergeant, Internal Affairs
Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office

Record Status Information

Record Origination Operator: Rodriguez, Andres Herschdorfer (2355 / INTERNAL AFFAIRS / Charlotte County Sheriff's Office)

Record Origination Date: 09/09/2015 08:40

Last Update Operator: Rodriguez, Andres Herschdorfer (2355 / INTERNAL AFFAIRS / Charlotte County Sheriff's Office)

Last Update Date: 09/23/2015 09:41

Reporting LEO Date Supervisor Date

Rodriguez, Andres Herschdorfer (2355 / Rodriguez, Andres Herschdorfer (2355 /
INTERNAL AFFAIRS / Charlotte County 6/3/2019 INTERNAL AFFAIRS / Charlotte County 6/3/2019
Sheriff's Office) Sheriff's Office)

06/03/2019 15:21:28 Page 14 of 14

 Redaction Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2019 3:49:45 PM

Total Number of Redactions: 3

By Exemption:

"Law Enforcement Officer, prosecutors, other professions and occupations: home address,
telephone numbers, photographs, dates of birth, places of employment of the spouses and
children of such personnel; and the names and locations of schools and daycare facilities
attended by the children of such personnel. f.s. 119.071(4)d" (Home, DOB, other): 3
instances

By Page:

Page 3 - "Law Enforcement Officer, prosecutors, other professions and occupations: home
address, telephone numbers, photographs, dates of birth, places of employment of the
spouses and children of such personnel; and the names and locations of schools and
daycare facilities attended by the children of such personnel. f.s. 119.071(4)d" (Home, DOB,
other): 1 instance
Page 6 - "Law Enforcement Officer, prosecutors, other professions and occupations: home
address, telephone numbers, photographs, dates of birth, places of employment of the
spouses and children of such personnel; and the names and locations of schools and
daycare facilities attended by the children of such personnel. f.s. 119.071(4)d" (Home, DOB,
other): 2 instances