The Jan. 7 Palm Bay City Council meeting turned contentious as residents and multiple councilmembers debated allegations about Officer Sean Rollins and broader personnel issues in the police department.

During public comment, Michael Brietti urged immediate termination of Officer Rollins and asked for resignations of other officials he said had failed to act. The topic reemerged during council reports, where members disagreeed about whether personnel concerns should be handled privately with the city manager or aired publicly from the dais. Councilman Langevin delivered an emphatic defense of the police department and criticized those raising concerns during public sessions; Deputy Mayor Jaffe and others said they support thorough review of staffing and hiring practices.

City Manager Morton read portions of investigative materials and personnel records in response. He cited a Nov. 20, 2019 letter from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) included in Rollins’s file stating SLED "found no evidence of any criminal wrongdoing" and that an internal review found no policy violations. Morton said Rollins underwent extensive vetting, including polygraph testing and background checks, and that the department’s internal and state reviews did not substantiate allegations.

Morton also described what he characterized as efforts to pressure the city, saying he had received reports that a former deputy chief allegedly suggested public attacks could be ended in exchange for terminations and a $450,000 payment. Morton said he is considering legal steps, including filing a criminal complaint for attempted extortion, and that several current and former officers had offered to be deposed about alleged prior abuses.

No formal personnel action was taken at the meeting. Council and staff agreed the city manager and chief have primary responsibility for personnel matters; Morton said he and staff would continue to investigate and consult legal counsel as appropriate.

Next steps: city manager to continue internal review, consult counsel on potential legal filings and provide any releasable investigative records consistent with personnel confidentiality rules.