According to the records, Moulton received an 18-day suspension for three sustained policy violations.<\/p>\n
9 investigates has been asking questions about the chase since it happened.<\/a> <\/p>\n According to the internal investigation obtained by 9 Investigates, the chase was never authorized. The department policy states pursuits are only allowed if the suspect was involved in a forcible felony: a serious crime including murder, kidnapping, and armed sexual battery.<\/p>\n The chase that killed Neal began during a traffic stop where the suspect had an unreadable license plate.<\/p>\n The report stated the incident represented \u201cA clear departure from the department\u2019s policy and procedure regarding vehicle pursuits.\u201d<\/p>\n Investigators found Moulton chased the suspect without activating emergency lights, broke traffic rules during the chase, and \u201coperated unmarked vehicle at speeds reaching approximately 90 miles per hour, well beyond what would be considered safe or reasonable for a residential area.\u201d <\/p>\n Records show Moulton used vacation time to receive pay during his 18-day suspension.<\/p>\n The lieutenant who issued the discipline said he reviewed seven years of similar violations. Prior discipline in those cases ranged from an oral reprimand to a 240-hour suspension for a vehicle pursuit violation. Moulton received about half that, with a 144-hour suspension.<\/p>\n Former Boca Raton police Chief Andrew Scott, who reviewed the records obtained by 9 Investigates, criticized the punishment.<\/p>\n \u201cThe discipline that\u2019s been issued to this officer or recommended is woefully inadequate,\u201d Scott said.<\/p>\n When asked whether the officer would have kept his job at Scott\u2019s agency, he responded, \u201cNo, he would not, I would have recommended termination.\u201d<\/p>\n Scott now works as a law enforcement consultant. He has a doctoral degree in criminal justice and wrote his dissertation on police motor vehicle pursuits.<\/p>\n He told Channel 9 Orlando\u2019s policies were written according to the best safety practices but stated \u201cthis pursuit violated every tenant of the agency\u2019s policies and well-established police practices and procedures.\u201d<\/p>\n Neal\u2019s nephew Jeremiah Davis told Channel 9 it\u2019s hard to believe the officer is still employed, telling us he does not believe justice was served.<\/p>\n \u201cI believe that he should have been fired at least,\u201d said Davis. <\/p>\n According to the investigation, Moulton did express regret and admit he \u201cexercised poor judgement.\u201d <\/p>\n He stated to investigators, \u201cKnowing what I know now, I never would\u2019ve tried to stop the vehicle at all.\u201d<\/p>\n A spokesperson for the Orlando Police Department sent 9 Investigates a statement saying:<\/p>\n \u201cFollowing the full investigation, it was determined that the officer violated department policy. As a result, the officer received discipline consistent with department policy, applicable procedures, and the Law Enforcement Officers\u2019 Bill of Rights. Our policies and disciplinary standards are consistent with law enforcement agencies across Central Florida and throughout the state.\u201d<\/p>\n Click here<\/a> to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here<\/a> to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.<\/p>\n