FHP, Riggio Settle
As written on (Panama City, FL) NewsHerald.com
Acquitted
Resolution: Former Panama City FHP leader restored to rank of captain, moved to Tallahassee.
To settle a potential legal dispute, Col. Christopher Knight reinstated Alexa Riggio to the rank of captain Thursday, reduced her suspension, and rerouted her transfer from Troop D in Cocoa Beach to FHP General Headquarters in Tallahassee.
Three weeks ago, Knight, the Director of the Florida Highway Patrol, removed Riggio from troop command in Panama City and ordered her demoted, suspended and transferred on charges that she was creating a hostile work environment.
"Capt. Riggio is completely satisfied, "said Riggio's attorney, Ed Marger. "She's a captain again and she's on the promotion list for major. She feels like she's been treated fairly."
Knight originally recommended Riggio's dismissal after an internal investigation suggested she had sexually harassed and verbally abused co-workers in November and December 2001.
After her predetermination hearing on April 23, the sexual harassment charges were dropped, but she was disciplined on charges of misconduct, including verbally abusing her superiors and other troopers.
Knight decided to remove Riggio from her command at Troop A in Panama City, demote her to lieutenant, put her on 40-hour suspension and transfer her to Troop D in Cocoa Beach.
Marger contested the decision and sent an open letter to Gov. Jeb Bush accusing the FHP of having a pattern of sexual and racial discrimination.
Knight's decision appeared to be final, but then he abandoned the disciplinary order in favor of a negotiated settlement.
"When the governor got the letter, he asked Col. Knight to take a deeper look in the matter, " Marger said. "We went into mediation with the colonel. Everything was completely in the open, and I think the colonel received some information he had otherwise not received."
