Florida: Ex-Police Chief Michael Giddens Resigned After On-Duty S*x Encounters With Suspect’s Wife

Newly released documents reveal that former Howey-in-the-Hills Police Chief Michael Giddens resigned from his post following an internal investigation into allegations of s*xual activity while on duty, according to records from the Lake County Sheriff's Office. Giddens formally submitted his resignation in a letter to Town Manager Sean O'Keefe. The resignation became effective on June 3.

The investigation was launched in May after anonymous allegations were sent via email to town employees, which initially led to Giddens being placed on administrative leave. Giddens has defended his actions, stating in his resignation letter that his private life was "being targeted by anonymous individuals driven by personal and political agendas".

According to newly released investigative documents, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office found that Giddens had s*xual encounters with the wife of a man he was actively investigating for a felony.

The sheriff's office report detailed that Giddens and the woman met at a hotel on at least two occasions during the spring of 2025. The documents further revealed that the two maintained communication using the encrypted messaging application WhatsApp.

The allegations first surfaced in May, prompting immediate action from town administration. Giddens was suspended pending the outcome of the joint inquiry before ultimately choosing to step down.

Giddens, who joined the Howey-in-the-Hills Police Department in 2024, previously spent more than three decades in Florida law enforcement, including tenures with the Lake County Sheriff's Office and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). The town is currently seeking a permanent replacement to lead the police department.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 16, 2026 08:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).