LARGO, Fla. (970 WFLA) - A Pinellas County Sheriff's corporal quit his job after racist, sexist, and pornographic material was found on his cell phone.
Shawn Pappas, 46, resigned at the end of February as an investigation into his conduct was about to begin.
News Channel 8 reports that the former deputy's phone contained pornographic images along with racist and sexist memes that were sent and received on the job and off duty.
Pappas voluntarily agreed to turn in his phone to investigators. He served 10 years on the force.
Here's the statement from Pinellas Sheriff Bob Gualtieir:
"Former Deputy Shawn Pappas’ conduct was vulgar and reprehensible. This isolated conduct will not be tolerated and is not representative of the many law enforcement professionals within the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office. Pappas immediately resigned upon being confronted with his gross misconduct and if he had not immediately resigned he would have been fired. Pappas’ lack of character and his bigoted perspective have no place in law enforcement. All members of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s office are held accountable for their actions and that occurred with Pappas’ separation from employment.”
photo credit: Pinellas County Sheriff's Office