The police chief of Surfside Beach, Texas, tendered his resignation, which was accepted by the city council late on Tuesday night.
The atmosphere was tense during Tuesday night’s city council hearing as the resignation of the chief was officially accepted. The chief had submitted his resignation on Monday.
Four members of the Surfside Beach Police Department, including the chief, have either resigned or announced their intention to do so.
During a council meeting on Tuesday, the Surfside Beach Police Department will address the significant loss of over half of its officers.
During the meeting, a woman expressed her disappointment, stating, “You all need to do better. We deserve better. If this is the behavior that will continue, then you all don’t deserve to be elected.”
Another resident expressed their outrage at the treatment the individual received, stating, “It is truly appalling how he was demeaned, how he was subjected to false accusations, and how his family was mistreated.”
Three full-time officers have resigned, which means that the department now has only five full-time officers left.
Lt. Jessica Montiel, who resigned, expressed her belief that the department faced retaliation whenever they arrested individuals connected to city hall.
ABC13 contacted the city council to inquire about the string of resignations. The only council member who agreed to provide a statement on camera was Councilmember Jonathan Gerber.
ABC13 Reporter Shannon Ryan asked Gerber if the allegations being made involve him and if there is any truth to them. In response, Gerber expressed his desire to shift the focus onto the positive aspects of Surfside.
Gerber confidently asserted his innocence, stating that he had not committed any wrongdoing.
ABC13 also contacted Moncier for a response, but he chose not to provide one. However, during a council meeting last month, he expressed his frustration and threatened to resign. Moncier accused the council of actively trying to oust him as a way to protect a culture that conceals criminal activities, such as instances of drunk driving.
The city officials have not yet announced a new chief to take over the position.