From the Bradenton Herald:

Two detectives with the Bradenton Police Department are under investigation after they allegedly broke into Bradenton City Hall after hours on Feb. 7, leaving the building unlocked for the weekend, according to an internal affairs report.

The report, prepared by Lt. Josh Cramer of the Office of Professional Standards, states that a door lock that leads to City Hall "was allegedly manipulated and defeated at the hands of" Ross Johnson and another detective, whose name was redacted from the 20-page document.

Johnson is no longer employed with the Bradenton Police Department.

The investigation started after City Clerk and Treasurer Carl Callahan complained to Police Chief Michael Radzilowski, according to the report. Callahan reportedly provided a USB storage device containing City Hall surveillance footage.

Both Johnson and the other detective worked in the department's narcotics unit.

According to the report, the detective said: "Just so we wouldn't get locked out so we could use the bathroom or use it as a cut through."

Johnson added that the action was not authorized, the report states.

Johnson was asked why he didn't use the restroom at the Bradenton Police Department station.

According to the report, Johnson responded that the restroom in the detective area is "nasty" and that potentially arrestees are in the hallway or offices.

Johnson described the restroom in City Hall as "out of sight, out of mind."

Go to bradenton.com for the full story.





