Former Florida Police Chief Resigns After Investigation Sustains On Duty Sex and Conduct Violations
HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, Fla. — A months-long internal investigation has concluded that former Howey-in-the-Hills Police Chief Michael Giddens committed multiple serious policy violations, including engaging in sexual activity while on duty and violating department standards governing moral character and professional conduct. While investigators found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing, the findings ultimately led to Giddens’ resignation earlier this summer.
The investigation, finalized by the Lake County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) following assistance from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), paints a detailed timeline of an inappropriate relationship between Giddens and the estranged wife of a man who was the subject of a criminal fraud investigation. Giddens, a veteran law enforcement officer with nearly three decades of experience, resigned on June 3 after being placed on administrative leave as the allegations became public.
Investigation Began With Fraud Case
According to the investigative report, the events trace back to March 14, 2025, when Giddens, then serving as a lieutenant, issued a felony warrant and subpoena for a male suspect connected to a fraud investigation. Within weeks, investigators say Giddens began communicating with the suspect’s estranged wife, who had already filed for divorce. The relationship quickly turned personal.
According to the report, the pair met for lunch behind a Chili’s restaurant in late March 2025, where they engaged in a consensual sexual encounter while Giddens was on duty. Investigators say the relationship continued, culminating in a second on duty sexual encounter approximately two months later after the two exchanged additional text messages.
Promoted to Police Chief
Despite the alleged misconduct occurring months earlier, Giddens was promoted in October 2025 and officially became Police Chief of Howey-in-the-Hills. The allegations remained unknown publicly until several weeks later. On Nov. 10, 2025, the woman’s new boyfriend contacted the Florida Department of Law Enforcement after discovering what investigators described as explicit text message conversations between the woman and Giddens detailing their relationship. The complaint prompted FDLE to open an investigation.
Woman Acknowledged Relationship
Investigators interviewed the woman in December 2025. According to the report, she admitted the relationship had occurred but told investigators she no longer possessed the text messages exchanged with Giddens. The investigation later gained momentum after authorities received what the report describes as a confidential tip during the spring of 2026. During a follow up interview in April, investigators say the woman acknowledged she was still communicating by text message with both Giddens and her incarcerated ex-husband. According to the investigative summary, she explained her continued contact by saying she “couldn’t help being a nice person.”
Anonymous Email Triggered Final Action
The case reached a turning point in May 2026 after an anonymous email outlining the allegations was distributed to town employees. Town officials suspended Giddens on May 20 pending the outcome of the investigation. Less than two weeks later, on June 3, Giddens submitted his resignation before the internal review was completed. Following his departure, the Town of Howey-in-the-Hills requested the Lake County Sheriff’s Office complete the administrative investigation.
Policy Violations Sustained
Although investigators determined Giddens did not commit a criminal offense, the internal investigation concluded he violated several provisions of the department’s conduct policies. The sustained findings include violations of Howey-in-the-Hills General Order No. 08.00 (Conduct), specifically provisions addressing:
- Rules and regulations governing employee conduct.
- Improper conduct offenses.
- Moral character.
- Engaging in sex while on duty.
The report characterizes the violations as serious breaches of departmental standards expected of sworn law enforcement personnel, particularly someone serving in a command position.
No Criminal Charges Filed
Officials emphasized that the investigation found no evidence supporting criminal prosecution. Instead, the findings centered on administrative misconduct and violations of department policy. Neither Giddens nor his attorney participated in formal interviews with Lake County Sheriff’s Office investigators during the final phase of the investigation, according to the report. They also had not responded to requests for comment following the release of the investigative findings.
Town Searching for New Police Chief
With Giddens no longer serving as police chief, the Town of Howey-in-the-Hills has begun searching for a permanent replacement. The position has been publicly posted as town officials work to fill the leadership vacancy left by Giddens’ resignation. The case serves as another reminder that while conduct may not always rise to the level of criminal prosecution, law enforcement leaders remain subject to strict ethical and professional standards. Administrative investigations frequently focus on whether officers uphold the integrity, judgment, and public trust expected of the profession, particularly when those officers occupy positions of command.
