Fort Myers police chief city-issued credit card expenses under scrutiny

Terolyn Watson, a Fort Myers council member, wants the city manager to investigate expenses. He wants the forensic accounting to start with Fort Myers Police Chief Derrick Digg’s city-issued credit card.

Activist Anthony Thomas said he received a letter from someone he calls a Fort Myers police whistleblower.

“When you have government officials taking your hard-earned money and spending it on extravagant meals and personal items, such as boots and satellite radio and NRA memberships,” Thomas said. “There’s no legitimate purpose for these purchases.”

WINK News examined Chief Digg’s purchases over the prior three years. He spent more than $6,300 at restaurants for various work-related meetings. Among the most frequent restaurants was 32 trips to The Veranda, which serves upscale southern cuisine, according to its website.

Through a spokesperson, Chief Diggs said he could not comment because he is out of town.

Kevin Anderson, a Fort Myers city councilman, told us he supports an investigation into the spending.

“All of these meals were with other government officials or discussing city business,” Anderson said. “However, I don’t necessarily believe that just because you’re discussing city business that justifies the taxpayer paying for the meal.”

Thomas agrees with Anderson. He said the city is ignoring its policy of not spending money inappropriately.

“We should not be paying for his personal items,” Thomas said. “It’s outrageous that he would be taking advantage.”