Panama City Beach Police Chief J.R. Talamantez is back to work following a 5-day investigation into an inappropriate relationship with a female officer.
Talamantez held a press conference Monday after investigators found the allegations were false and unfound.
“I fully wanted to cooperate with this investigation," said Chief Talamantez. "I have absolutely nothing to hide with this other officer because it’s a complete fabricated lie.”
On June 12, an anonymous letter was sent to Panama City Beach Mayor Stuart Tettemer, accusing Chief J.R. Talamantez of two inappropriate actions.
The letter consisted of allegations of Talamantez having an inappropriate relationship with a female employee and covering up a car crash last year. As a result, Talamantez was placed on paid administrative leave on June 17.
“There was some information I wanted to research. I ordered an investigation,” Panama City Beach City Manager Drew Whitman said Monday. “He was accused of promoting a female because of a relationship that did not exist and also a cover-up of a traffic crash."
Chief Talamantez was officially reinstated on June 24.
