FMPD chief speaks on Nate Allen investigation, Allen lawyers ask FBI to get involved

FORT MYERS, Fla.- Chief Doug Baker is talking about the public criticism, surrounding his department’s handling, or what some call “mishandling” of the Nate Allen investigation.

“Every case is a case by case basis, I don’t think you can slap a label on those situations,” said Chief Baker.

Allen is a local NFL star, falsely accused of masturbating in front of a 16-year-old girl.

The State Attorney’s Office cleared Allen on Monday, and called the Fort Myers Police Department’s identification techniques, “inherently suggestive.”

“Other cases have been prosecuted by the State Attorney’s Office, using that practice,” said Baker.

The Chief says he stands by Allen’s original ID.

“I am very comfortable on the stop, and I’m comfortable from what I know. I don’t have a lot of questions, the questions come later on as this investigation develops.”

We had questions too. In Allen’s interrogation notes, a detective told Allen he was not man enough to admit the crime, as Allen says he was on his knees.

Did Chief Baker think that was too much?

“I don’t know I guess you have to ask yourself, if it was my 16 year old daughter that went through that, how much would I want the cops to do,” said Baker.

Allen’s attorney, says Baker’s internal investigation is not enough, and wants the state or even the FBI to look into the case. Smith wrote a letter to the City Council asking them to intervene.

“When you do it yourself, an internal, you are asking lower level officers to evaluate everybody lower, the same rank and above. That’s hard to do,” said Smith.

Smith will speak at the council meeting on Monday.

Once the internal investigation is done, Chief Baker says he will release the report to the public, and said he is not afraid of making changes.

“In the event policy changes are needed, that will happen, in the event we need discipline, that will happen to,” said Baker in response.

As far as the ID process, WINK News followed up with the State Attorney’s office, who says the show up process is appropriate under certain circumstances, but not in this case.

Lawyers for local NFL star Nate Allen are handing over a list of demands to the Fort Myers Police Department.

The department is under scrutiny for the way it handled allegations of indecent exposure made against Allen.

Now, Allen’s attorney is calling for an outside investigation into the department’s handling of the case.

WINK News talked to attorney Wilbur Smith Thursday morning. He says he’s unhappy with the way Fort Myers police handled Allen’s interrogation.

Smith sent a letter to the city manager. In it, he says he’s appalled at the handling of the case. He goes on to say that he wants the council to vote for an outside law enforcement organization to investigate.

Smith also wants the council to order the department to make any and all records relating to the case available. That includes holding cell surveillance, police car audio and cell phone records.