A retired Eustis Police Department captain addressed the commission during audience comments on Sept. 18 to allege the department’s handling of an internal complaint and to urge the commission to ensure accountability.

Allegations from retired captain

Gary Winheim (identifying himself as a retired Eustis police captain) told the commission he submitted a complaint in June 2021 alleging that a named agency member had been tipping off drug dealers. He said he gave that complaint to then‑Chief Capri and that Capri responded he would “take care of it.” Winheim said the complaint was not investigated, that the named officer later retired and took a job with another agency, and that he repeatedly sought documentation of an internal investigation without success.

Winheim said in October 2024 he emailed Chief Capri asking for the internal investigation record; he said Capri replied that the matter was an "ongoing investigation" and refused to provide records. Winheim described an encounter in which he said Chief Capri drove past him and made an obscene gesture and later spoke with him; Winheim said his recorded interaction with the chief showed contradictions in the chief’s account about how the complaint had been handled and that the chief "lied" about remembering prior steps. Winheim also said he brought the complaint and materials to city staff and HR and that he has not seen documentation of an investigation.

What commissioners heard and next steps

Winheim urged the commission to ensure employees are held accountable and to direct staff to examine the matter. He provided contact information and offered to meet with city officials. No formal motion or vote followed his public comment, and no response from the chief addressing the specific allegations was made on the record during the meeting. Chief Capri later provided operational updates about community policing events but did not respond to Winheim’s allegations during his remarks.

Why it matters

Winheim cited department policy and state statute as the standards governing internal investigations; he asked the elected commission — which oversees municipal staff through the city manager — to ensure the city's internal processes are being followed.

Ending

The allegation was made in public comment and the commission did not announce any immediate disciplinary or investigatory action at the meeting. Winheim said he had provided documentation to staff and is available to discuss the matter further.