Marco Island city manager responds to latest police scandal

Reporter: Michelle Alvarez Writer: Joey Pellegrino
Published: Updated:
Marco Island Police Department. (Credit: WINK News)

Marco Island’s city manager has had his hands full in the wake of years of scandals involving the city’s police department.

In the latest scandal, the Marco Island Police Department suspended three officers without pay for two weeks after they falsely claimed one of them completed firearms qualifications.

“It’s very disappointing,” said City Manager Mike McNees. “A lot of work has been done at the department to build their credibility. They just completed an exhaustive accreditation process and received statewide accreditation. So, it’s… it was one of those things really, I’ll call it a self-inflicted wound.”

Marco Island hired Police Chief Tracey Frazzano in 2019 to clean up the department after several problems. Among them: Officers having sex on the job and former Chief Al Schettino accused of intimidating and discriminating against Heather Comparini, a city records clerk.

“Everyday trust is a very important factor,” Frazzano said in 2019. “It can be broken very easily, so my goal is every day to garner more trust.”

In a news release, Frazzano said the following regarding Sgt. Mark Haueter, Capt. John Wallace and Reserve Officer Ed D’alesandro: “The action of these three officers falls short of meeting the values of the Marco Island Police Department.”

But Frazzano served a 30-day suspension of her own. In February 2021, she apologized after using her position to help her husband get a COVID-19 vaccine appointment before most other people could.

“We expect more,” McNees said. “The chief expects more. The community certainly expects more, and we need to do better.”

MIPD says the three officers agreed to forgo a formal investigation, take responsibility and accept a two-year last-chance agreement.

Heather Comparini sued both the city and MIPD after making her allegations against Schattino. She agreed to a $35,000 settlement.

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