Panel finds probable cause to revoke Broward sheriff’s accreditation

A state panel found probable cause Tuesday to revoke the law-enforcement accreditation of the Broward County sheriff who was appointed after the Parkland school shooting. Investigators found he lied about killing another teen almost 30 years ago.

The decision by the Criminal Justice & Standards Training Commission means an administrative complaint will be filed against Sheriff Gregory Tony. It would be unusual for a sitting sheriff to have accreditation revoked, but the accreditation is not necessary for the elected, administrative position.

Gov. Ron DeSantis fired the previous sheriff, Scott Israel, days after becoming governor, over accusations that Israel had mishandled the response to the massacre and then appointed Tony as interim sheriff. Tony was elected to a full four-year term in 2020.

Before the 2020 election, the Florida Bulldog website reported that in 1993, when Tony was 14, he fatally shot an 18-year-old neighbor during a fight at his family’s Philadelphia home using his father’s gun. He was charged with murder but was acquitted in juvenile court after arguing he acted in self-defense. Tony never disclosed the shooting during his career, even when required, saying he did not see the need because of his acquittal.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement launched an investigation. In its 20-page report issued Jan. 31, the agency said Tony repeatedly lied about the shooting. He also lied when asked about whether his driver’s license had ever been suspended and whether he had ever used hallucinogenic drugs.