In this March 22, 2012 file photo, Sanford Police Chief Bill Lee speaks to the the media during a news conference as city manager Norton Bonaparte Jr. listens at left, in Sanford Fla. The Sanford City Commission on Monday, April 23, 2012 rejected by a 3-2 vote the resignation of Lee, who was roundly criticized for not initially charging Zimmerman and had stepped down temporarily in March he said to let emotions cool. (AP Photo/Julie Fletcher, File)KYLE HIGHTOWER
SANFORD, Fla. (AP) – While George Zimmerman is free on bail, the police chief criticized for not charging him after Trayvon Martin’s slaying remains under scrutiny, as city commissioners want to wait for the results of a federal investigation to decide if they will accept Chief Bill Lee’s resignation.
It could take months before Sanford city commissioners have the information they say they need.
That’s because the U.S. Department of Justice is expected to make a thorough analysis of how the city’s police department handled the investigation into the Feb. 26 killing of the 17-year-old Martin, including studying when officers arrived to the scene of the shooting to the actions that Lee and other officials took in their ultimate decision not to arrest Zimmerman. Lee remains on paid leave.
“The city commission spoke,” city manager Norton Bonaparte said. “They were not ready to have the resignation. So we’ll move forward.”