Critics call for investigation into firing of FDLE longtime leader

Scott: 'I could have handled it better'

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – There are new calls for an independent investigation into the firing of Florida Department of Law Enforcement's longtime leader, Gerald Bailey, who was ousted Dec. 16. Many said they believe that the firing was illegal.

Sen. Arthenia Joyner is asking the Senate president to order hearings and subpoena witnesses. So far, she says, her calls have been ignored. Joyner points to Oregon, where Democrats ousted a Democratic governor, but said Republicans in Florida are circling the wagons.

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A total of 10,000 people have signed online petitions demanding an independent investigation into the firing. The petitions were delivered to the U.S. attorney in Tallahassee and to the state attorney in the capital city.

The names were gathered over a two-week period. A lawsuit by media outlets claims that Gov. Rick Scott and Cabinet members violated the open meeting law using staff as a conduit for illegal conversations.

"It's clear in hindsight I could have handled it better," Scott said.

Petition organizer Damien Filer said one of two things happened.

"Either Rick Scott got approval from his fellow Cabinet members to fire Commissioner Bailey, or he fired Bailey unilaterally" Filer said. "The former is a violation of Florida Sunshine Laws, the latter is a violation of our state Constitution, which requires at least one other Cabinet member to approve the firing."

Attorney General Pam Bondi contends she did nothing wrong, but said her hands are tied.

"Why no allow for an investigation or call for one yourself if you've got nothing to hide?" News4Jax asked Bondi.

"Well, I cannot appoint a special prosecutor," she said. "That can only come from the governor's office."

The state attorney has said repeatedly he won't investigate the matter based on media reports.

The state attorney said Wednesday that he does not think there is anything to investigate.