PBSO major gets blue flu before I.A. grilling
Tags: Michael Veccia, Mike Gauger, Palm Beach Sheriff, Paula Kronsperger, PBSO, Ric Bradshaw
| Tuesday 20 October 2009 11:01 am
Michael Veccia, volunteering at a campaign barbecue for Sheriff Ric Bradshaw last year (The Palm Beach Post)
A top executive at the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office under investigation for sexual harassment went on medical leave on the day he was to be grilled by Internal Affairs, Page2Live has learned.
The move by Maj. Michael Veccia, a 25-year law enforcement veteran who’s a member of Sheriff Ric Bradshaw’s cabinet, delayed further an investigation that started six months ago.
A former subordinate nearly half Veccia’s age who moved in with him was questioned in the probe.
Veccia, I reported last month, was placed on administrative leave in May as Internal Affairs started interviewing 30-plus witnesses.
He had been pulling down his $156,000 salary while sitting in his Lake Worth home.
But on Oct. 1, PBSO spokeswoman Teri Barbera said, Veccia suddenly put in Family and Medical Leave Act paperwork. The federal law guarantees workers up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave to tend to medical or family emergencies.
For more, and the poll, see below or click
This time, Veccia isn’t getting his regular salary but has been drawing on his PBSO sick and vacation pay.
“He was scheduled to be interviewed on the day he went on leave but he’s under medical care,” Barbera said. “The investigation is in its final stages.”
Citing privacy laws, Barbera declined comment on the details of Veccia’s absence.
But several insiders say the stress of his forced vacation and the scrutiny have made Veccia, a heavy smoker, ill.
Said Col. Mike Gauger, PBSO’s second in command: “Going on family leave was his decision, and he made it with his doctor’s approval. It’s his right. But the investigation will continue.”
And it may actually be closed without Veccia’s interview if Veccia doesn’t return soon.
A PBSO spy tells me the I.A. report is expected to show that some claims by a half dozen women are unfounded or exaggerated while others may cause Veccia to be disciplined.
“He made a few mistakes,” one insider said.
After a meteoric rise from sergeant to major in four years, Veccia, 52, was assigned to PBSO’s crime analysis, training and contractors.
I.A. is looking into Veccia’s behavior toward subordinates. He’s accused of creating a hostile work environment.
Among the women interviewed by I.A. was Sandra Smith, a PBSO financial analyst who worked for Veccia and the daughter of one of Veccia’s fellow majors. Smith and Veccia shacked up together until they broke up last year.
Veccia is one of at least two PBSO higher-ups currently under investigation for sex-related shenanigans. Lt. Paula Kronsperger, one of the agency’s highest-ranking women, recently was the target of a complaint alleging that she’s been sleeping with deputies who worked for her.
Veccia didn’t return calls for comment.
Loading ...
This f__kin guy is unbelievable. Only a cop could get away with this. Average Joe Citizen would not be treated with kid gloves and the investigation would not have dragged on this long.He’s collectd his salary, now he’s going for the sick / vacation pay. This guy doesnt miss a trick. This is totally outrageous and a blackeye for the entire department. Shame on you sir.
Not surprising that cops can dish it out but can’t take it. They think laws are for “others” only.
Fire the bum.
Some Cops are great assetts to the community and are battling everyday… but some cops are just plain bad… carrying a major complex that gives them the illusion that laws don’t apply to them.
Now he can resign on a medical and collect disability.
All this corruption we have seen at the sheriff’s office has been under the command of Ric Bradshaw. Simple answer. Remove him from office, bring in a new sheriff that has morals and can get the work done, and we will see a reduction in corruption. I’m not saying we’ll see corruption go away completely, because there will always be people out there with greed.
I can’t believe that this BUM is still being paid. Enough is enough! Fire the bastard,aleady.
Fire the union not Bradshaw… The union runs the police forces in the nation. It’s probably why this guy hasn’t been canned/suspended without pay. He was probably told by his union reps to use up sick time and vaca pay and then resign quietly.
This is no surprise…its business as usual at the PBSO….some writers are correct, this would not be tolerated in the private sector…Sheriff Ric should be embrassed..a homicide does not take this long to investigate…medical condition please come up with something better or does this major know how to work the system….he owes Sheriff Ric alot. Change at election time please…we will not forget.
To the Person who wrote comment #1. Maj V did not create the system. He was falsely accused, exonerated, and the ordeal has taken a toll on him. It is within his LEGAL rights to take FMLA. What corruption? He dated a younger women - openly. That is a NOT A crime. LET HE WHO IS WITHOUT SIN CAST THE FIRST STONE.
There’s only one thing to do with an out-of-control guy like this: Give him his own reality TV show.
To the person who wrote comment #9. Age has nothing to do with it, its a subordinate and that my friend is unacceptable.
He continues to play the system. He is using FMLA so he is able to use up the sick & vacation time on the books that he would not get paid out if/when he got fired. He is just getting every dime he can out of the department while he can. BTW, he does not have 25 yrs at PBSO, not ’til December of NEXT year (the WPBPD time does not count toward State retirement).
Bradshaw got plenty of Episodes On “Cops” Broward County has a show “The Women Officers of Broward County” Palm Beach could Have there own to0. to be Caled “The PBSO Best” At least they will get income for the county.
Comment reference poster #9, by g
If there was nothing wrong with him dating a younger women why did he have the policy, in effect at the time, changed to fit his dating situation?
Come on folks , as taxpayers how much more are we going to take ? this corruption , this shadey covering up , this greed, power , and total waste of money has got to end . Rick Bradshaw , who I knew better than to vote for , showed the true signs of just another corrupt politican when he first ran for office. His hench men and crooked kroonies such as Mike Gauger , are futher examples of this joke they call a professional office. As one poster put it , just add up the facts , a female Lt. sleeping with her staff , nothing done , a Lt. who I am told continues to crash patrol cars , a Major who has been on leave for six months , and they are just now doing an investigation ? Deputies arrested for domestic violence, pulling guns in bars , drunk driving , the list goes on. Bradshaw is obviously not a leader , and can not control his people or staff. Consatant cover ups , excusses , talking around the issues , won’t work anymore Bradshaw , we are not buying it. Taxpayers of Palm Beach County , stand up and demand better , clean out Bradshaw , gauger , and that entire worn out over paid old staff.
Mr Veccia is smarter than the Idiotic posters here, he has a N/Y Education…..Mr. Veccia is Better than the Posters here, I met him and He’s better than you !!! Mr. veccia is Better looking than you !!! YOU WILL BE JEALOUS OF HIM, IT IS YOUR JOB TO POST CRAP HERE !!.. Mr. Veccia makes more Money than you….hence the reason you’re jealous of him, he is worth more than your crying AZZ !!! He worked hard for his money and His Education surpasses yours by a long shot !! Mr. Veccia can get any woman he wants……BUT….. so what, he made a mistake being with an adult with a 6th grade education in a career she got how ???? READ, DUMMY !!! take everything you have read here and throw it in the garbage, The Palm Beach Sheriffs Office has more VALUABLE Employees than you can shake a stick at !! Instead of being Jealous or being a typical LIBERAL AZZ WIPE……..get the FACTS like I do !!!
Thank you for that quote Mr.Veccia, or is it Gauger, or maybe Bradshaw ? Talk about facts , having a education does not make you smarter , better , or free to create hostile environments. Second , deserves his position , give me a break , goining from Sgt. to Major is called a “favor move-up”. Third , better looking ? That is just how self centered and vien he , and you mr/mrs poster have become , looks do not make the person and they fade quick as his have. Last but not least , you can tell by your rage defense letter here, the truth about him and this administration have realy struck a nerve. The truth can’t be altered by people like you , remember the public taxpayers have educations as well , and are not buying your “crap” as you say. One more important fact , all off these post are not talking about this entire department , we are well aware of the many “good ” men and women who we are proud to have protecting this county , so do not say people are bashing this agency . It is the administration , the head honchos , the greedy , self consumed good old boys at the top , with the political Bradshaw people are now seeing them for what they are , and yes , Veccia is one of them. So why don’t you wipe your AZZ with these defense cover up post you make . Again , WE AIN’T BUYING IT chump.
Hey jose, and the rest of the public , are you hearing this stuff ? Veccia can get any woman he want’s ! Wow , is this what police work is all about these days? I heard that Paula can get any man she want,s as well , so is this department now a beauty contest ? Where is our tax dollars going ? Who is protecting us as these people are out sleeping with each other , this is disturbing , and in a sick way ,almost funny.
Joe M….having you as an advocate for PBSO just proves it….there is something really really wrong going on here.
It does not take 6 months to determine the truth. Because of who he is, and who his family knows, he has been able to drag this thing out. Last resort…medical leave to eat up the massive amount of vac. / Sick time. He could retire now, but probably would be killed by the I.R.S. for having sooooo much income for 2009. It’s all a game folks. And we as taxpayers are paying for all this crap. If he’s cleard, put him to work, if he’s guilty, dismiss him. PBSO !!!! Take a chance!!! Columbus did.
NY education, better check that one out.
Who he or “his family knows”, check that one out also, he has a very dysfunctional family and there is nothing special about them or anyone they happen to know. And alot of that you can blame him for directly. He has always been a womanizer and always will be.
Who said he can get any women he wants..he can’t get me.
Re your excellent October 21 “Page Two” that reveals a sheriff’s deputy with the rank of major is on administrative leave at home, drawing his $156,000 salary. That equates to $13,000 a month. His salary is more than an active duty 4-star general, having comparable 25 years’ service, who receives in basic pay $12,472.50, or $149,670 per annum.
See: http://www.dfas.mil/militarypay/militarypaytables/2009MilitaryPayTables.pdf.
Something is wrong, somewhere.
Come on people , oh my God , sounds like this whole department is corrupt and disfunctinal . Fire this skirt chaser , fire that bedroom crasher Lt. woman , and get rid of this so called elected leader that lets this stuff happen. To that Joe M , what a moron you are , hopefully you are not the department spokesman? I know who I am not voting for next term , Bradshaw .
It took six months to do the investigation because there were 20-30 people to interview, verify info and document. Then make sure you have the questions from that ready to ask Veccia when it is his turn, which now will probably not happen. What is interesting is that he waited until the day of his interview to go out on FMLA. Either the truth would do him in, or he would have to lie and be canned for purjury - either way - he loses.
He cannot draw a pension until age 55 or 25 yrs in the STATE retirement system. He does not meet those requirements until the end of NEXT year. What stinks is that while he is burning off his sick & vacation time, that money is included in his total salary, which will increase his pension when he does reach 55. Just ‘guestimating’, but that should be 100K or better.
There are MANY issues that finally came to light as a result of this investigation. When it is done and public record, Jose needs to get a copy (bring a hand cart and a big box). The public will be shocked at what he has gotten away with for years. The dating issue is minor compared to some things - BTW, they dated long before it was made public. Then she gets transferred to a higher paying position.
i AM TRULY ASHAMED OF THE WAY THINGS HAVE DEVELOPED OVER THE PAST TWENT YEARS, REGARDING POLICE AND DISCIPLINE. I HAVE ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT IF YOU MESSED UP, AND WAS PUT ONTO SUSPENSION, THEN THAT WAS WITHOUT PAY. hOW CAN A SYSTEM WORK, IF YOU GET PAID FOR SCREWING UP?.
IN THE PUBLIC IT DOES NOT WORK THAT WAY. CHANGED HAVE TO BE MADE IN ORDER TO RESTORE RESPECT IN LAW ENFORCEMENT.
IT IS GREAT THAT THERE IS A WATCH-DOG WITHIN THE PRESS THAT IS KEEPING THE PUBLIC INFORMED.
Jose , I want to personally thank you for having the guts and ethics to keep the people of Palm Beach County informed , and telling the truth without sugar coating about what is happing in local government. By allowing the freedom of speech and printing it give back the true power of the people , and puts a stop to these organizations like the P.B.S.O. from keeping secrets , lies , corruption hiddin away, under rap from the taxpaying public. These crooks at P.B.S.O. are no different than the people on wall street , corruption , coverups , greed and expensive perks we the main street people paying for it must be exposed. Bradshaw and his spending wasted dollars on these excutive staff , allowing personal to get away with anything is a disgrace to this fine county. Taxpayers have had enough of this , hopefully the party is over for Mr.Bradshaw and his crew.
Jose I also want to thank you for your reporting…its a shame there are no investigative reporters left at the Palm Beach Post….or are they afraid of Sheriff Ric and company….so if you Jose, screwed up (never) would you be put on suspension with pay for several months? Keep up the great work.
To the person of comment # 20. Who his family is? Who are they? His family knows noone! His father, a New Yorker, has been deceased for over 10 years and his mother lives out of state. If you want to slander someone, at least know what the f*&k you are talking about. It is not his fault IA is taking 5 months to investigate it. Bradshaw change the rule so he could date a subordinate - not him. Killed by the IRS? So you are an Accountant.
Wow , poster 28 sounds a little upset , must be another veccia girlfriend or family ! What ever facts that poster #20 got wrong , who cares? The real facts are this joker has a reputation as a skirt chaser and knowing how to climb the promotion ladder , he is just another over paid part of Bradshaw’s dirty little rats nest we the public have allowed to grow like mildew . The IA is taking so long because the IA capt. a buddy of Bradshaw has to wait for Gauger and Ric to think something up first , IA is a joke since Capt. Van Stupid got a instant job and premotion . Look at Lt. Paula , hum , where is she now ? Maybe chasing the male doctor’s around at the addiction center . Bradshaw your department has become a total embarassment and you can no longer hide away or blame it on anything but your poor leadership , and selling your soul for political gain.
I really don’t give a s%&t what happens, I am just adding comments to spice up the discussion.
[...] month a member of Bradshaw’s cabinet, Maj. Michael Veccia, invoked the FMLA to take a leave the day he was supposed to be interviewed by Internal Affairs in connection with a [...]
Wow Jose , and ALL taxpayers of this county , check out leoaffairs.com , they are getting nervious over there. You now have post in bold letters (most likely a top brass) warning people not to post about Veccia, or Paula Kronsberger , “because you are violating Sheriff Bradsw’s direct comand regarding open investigations”. First off Bradshaw has no comand over the general public or freedom of speach , he is not a God figure as he thinks.Second , talk about violations , why are these “investigations ” allowed to drag out , and these people burning up time and money on wokman’s comp , FMLA , and what ever else they can you to prolong facing the issue’s they brought on themselves? Top brass makes threats to hush-hush on LEOAFFAIRS not because of “open investigations ” but because they do not want the general public to hear just how screwed up that place is . Thank you for being the only true source for information , and allowing the public taxpayers to voice their concerns. Ric bradshaw and staff , ALL of this will be remember and surface when you are up for relection , good luck buddy.