The state’s criminal investigation into Marco Island’s police chief is advancing, with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement now conducting interviews tied to allegations against Chief Tracy Frazzano.
City Manager Mike McNees confirmed Tuesday to Gulf Coast News that FDLE is in the interview stage of its review. The agency was handed two specific allegations from a lengthy list of union complaints that could potentially constitute criminal behavior.
“There were two things in that list that lent themselves more to investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement that could potentially be deemed criminal. I believe they're nearing the end of their investigation. They have some interviews they want to do with specific police officers," said McNees.
The Marco Island Fraternal Order of Police submitted the complaints last fall after taking a 23-1 no-confidence vote against Frazzano. The 17-page document detailed concerns about integrity, misuse of authority, forged training records, and internal retaliation. McNees referred the most serious claims to FDLE in October 2024.
While the state agency focuses on potential criminal issues, McNees said he’s now cleared to begin a parallel administrative review of the remaining allegations.
“They've told me I am free to go ahead with the administrative review of the other things that the union brought up. So I'll be starting that process," said McNees.
The city’s review process has been stalled for months while FDLE conducted its preliminary assessment. Now, it will move forward.
“It's been six months since the initial correspondence. It's been a little frustrating to have to sit on my hands and wait for the FDLE part to go forward. I'm happy that they've given me the green light to do all I need to do," said McNees.
While he couldn’t give a timeline, McNees told Gulf Coast News that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement has indicated the investigation is nearing completion.
“With any luck at all, we’ll be able to bring the whole matter to some sort of closure in the very near future,” said McNees.
DOWNLOAD
the free
Gulf Coast News app
for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more.