Fort Myers police chief investigated for voiding school speeding ticket

Fort Myers Police Chief Jason Fields is under investigation after admitting to voiding a school-zone speeding ticket for city employee Carloncia Lee, sparking concerns about potential preferential treatment. Gulf Coast News investigator Dave Elias attempted for two days to get a response from Fort Myers City Manager Marty Lawing regarding the police chief’s actions. Lawing initially directed Elias to speak with Fields, despite the chief reporting directly to him. Elias confronted Lawing at City Hall, where Lawing confirmed the investigation. “No, I really don’t want to comment on that,” Lawing said. “Just let me tell you that we’ll be doing an investigation. It will be handled professionally and equitably. That’s all I’ll say at this point.” When asked who would conduct the investigation, Lawing said, “There will be several parties involved.” He declined to comment on Fields’ statement expressing regret for his actions. The city also responded when asked who is leading a potential investigation with the following statement: "From the City administration side, the City Manager relayed a professional and equitable investigation for all involved parties. On that note, and as shared yesterday, the city does not comment on personnel matters or pending investigations." Body camera footage obtained exclusively by Gulf Coast News shows Fields pressuring Officer Obstein to void the speeding ticket issued to Lee, who was driving 12 miles per hour over the limit in a school zone. “I said I don’t have any discretion, sir, when it comes to school zone violations, and she is going 12 miles an hour over the speed limit, sir,” Obstein said. Two minutes later, the officer relented. “I’m going to void the ticket that I originally wrote because, after speaking with the chief of police, I was asked to give you a professional courtesy,” Obstein said. Fields issued a statement 24 hours after the video aired, saying, “I recognize that I should not have become involved. My involvement created a perception that a city employee received preferential treatment, and I understand why that has caused concern.” Lee works for Councilwoman Teresa Watkins Brown, who said she regrets Lee’s actions and believes Lee should not have contacted the police chief. Lee declined to comment when contacted by Gulf Coast News, and the police union has yet to respond. Fields remains on the job as the investigation continues. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment, and original programming on your TV.