A former South Florida fire chief was accused of using taxpayer money for personal purchases while he was on the job.
Ex-Miramar Fire Chief Robert Palmer's purchases included $900 fishing reels, slide rentals, a drone, and pricey amplifiers, NBC6 reported.
Investigators determined Palmer bought the items with his city-issued purchase card over a five year period from 2017 until just before he retired in 2022.
After Palmer’s retirement, investigators began looking into over 400 purchases made with his P-card. From September of 2023, they compiled a list of dozens of items “…Not consistent with purchases that would be made for the…Fire-Rescue Department.” The total value of those items was $35,931.34, according to a police report.
The items ranged from near $800 for a welder, more than in golf cart parts, eight tactical gun cases and a $600 ice maker from Best Buy. Police said some of the purchases were delivered to fire rescue headquarters and others went to Palmer’s home.
A memo from the Broward State Attorney’s Office Public Corruption Unit states the investigation began with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, but it was “decided by the City of Miramar…” that their police department’s internal affairs unit would take over the investigation, the station reported
Police inspected several fire rescue locations but were unable to locate any of the exact items listed. Shortly after that, the sergeant handling the case told prosecutors, “His command had asked him to discontinue the investigation…” according to a memo.
Broward State Attorney’s office declined to prosecute, saying they believe “Palmer did, in fact, steal approximately $35,931.34 from the city of Miramar.” But getting the evidence they need will be “next to impossible,” in part, due to the delays in reporting and the “city’s disinterest in cooperating with any prosecution.”
The investigative reporter noted that he city gave prosecutors a copy of a check showing Palmer paid the city back the amount owed, more than @$35,000. The check is dated March of 2023. But when NBC6 Investigates asked the city for a copy of the check, they provided a check dated September of 2023, six months later and after prosecutors closed the case.
At this time, the city has not explained why there are two separate checks or provided records showing either check was cashed.
“When somebody goes into a position in public office where they’re using taxpayer funds, they should have a heightened sense of propriety,” said Joseph DeMaria, a former federal prosecutor who now works as a defense attorney. He was not involved in the investigation.
DeMaria said he believes the city should have recused itself from the investigation. “Do I think it looks good that they basically took it away from the FDLE and brought it in house?” he asked, “I don’t think that looks good.”
