In his recently released video, Sheriff Mitchell is attempting to confuse the public by defending against accusations I never made. That is; if your behavior is inexcusable, then defend yourself against accusations that were never made and hope that the truth is lost in the confusion. Three of the four officers in the film have no involvement with the complaint I filed, and I never suggested they did anything wrong. Of those appearing in the video, my complaint named only Sgt. Chris Chwialkowski, who is also at the center of allegations brought forward by others. In Sheriff Mitchell”s video, Detective Andrews staunchly defends himself and others, but not Sgt. Chwialkowski.
After a year and a half of working for the LCSO, I have found most of the deputies to be honorable public servants. However, some deputies are racially profiling or discriminating against fellow officers, conduct which breaks faith with the public and undermines trust between colleagues. These actions violate the oath we all took to serve and protect the public. Rather than investigate and take appropriate corrective action, Sheriff Mitchell remains in denial. He has collected supportive subordinates in an attempt to confuse the issue, hoping it goes away, to hide his poor leadership and protect guilty parties.
I was proud when I took my position at the LCSO but became angered by the conduct I witnessed and disappointed with the lack of action against it. I have gained nothing personally by going public other than trying to end the disparate treatment of the minorities in Lake County. Upholding the law is my job, not an idealistic crusade. Sheriff Mitchell”s denial of the facts of racial discrimination shows he has no interest in doing his job to stop it from happening again. I stand by my statements made on Channel 7”s news program and will continue to defend against attacks on my character and integrity.
Brian Lande
Former Lake County Sheriff”s Deputy
