Sheriff Announces Terminations for Policy Violations

Two Hernando County Detention Center employees were recently terminated for policy violations.

Sergeant John Baja, a 5-year veteran of the agency was terminated on 07-10-15 for violating Policy Statement 1023.00 III D. Code of Conduct – Conduct Unbecoming an Officer and Detention Directive 7050.48 Staff / Inmate Conduct.

Detention Deputy Joshua Smith, a 2-year veteran of the agency was terminated on 07-31-15 for violating Policy Statement 1023.00 III D. Code of Conduct – Conduct Unbecoming an Officer and Detention Directive 7050.48 Staff / Inmate Conduct.

An Internal Affairs Investigation revealed that Baja had inappropriate contact with a former female inmate.

A separate Internal Affairs Investigation revealed that Smith had inappropriate contact with a former female inmate.