MEXICO BEACH, Fla. — An investigation has revealed that three uncertified convicted felons with close relations to a former Fla. chief were hired.
Mexico Beach fire Department Chief Brad Hall allegedly hired the three felons without conducting drug tests or background checks, according to the News Herald.
Besides the reported nepotism, investigators are trying to prove that the firefighters also falsified call sheets and created fake calls to bump up hours.
Chief Hall retired recently after months of paid administrative leave in the midst of investigations from the Fla. Dept. of Law Enforcement and Bay County Sherriff’s Office.
The three felons have been convicted for a range of crimes. Firefighters Levi Wilson was charged for aggravated battery, Stephanie McDonald Wilson for cocaine possession and organized fraud, and Michael Brunson for drug dealing and grand theft.
Firefighter Wilson is Chief Hall’s nephew, McDonald Wilson is his sister-in-law, and Brunson is McDonald Wilson’s boyfriend. Chief Hall’s wife was also hired on to the dept.
The three firefighters did not respond to the News Herald’s request for comment.