Investigation of Captain Victoria Young

Request for Intervention in Internal Investigation of Captain Victoria Young

Dear Commissioner,

I am writing to express serious concerns about the internal investigation initiated by Chief Nelson Moya against Captains Summer Hallett and Victoria Young. This probe stems from an approved permit for an Easter event at T. B. McPherson, which ran from 2 PM to 7 PM. Tragically, a shooting occurred at 8:15 PM just down the street, resulting in the loss of a young lady’s life.

On the Monday following the incident, City Manager Cynthia Curry stated she was unaware the event occurred and declared that “someone would get in trouble.” In response, Chief Moya filed a formal complaint against Captains Hallett and Young.

Key Concerns

• Sergeant Hayes’ Assignment
  Sgt. Leah Hayes, two ranks junior to the captains under investigation, was tasked with leading the inquiry. She reports directly to Chief Moya, creating a clear conflict of interest.
• Lack of Command Presence
  Chief Moya did not attend the scene to assess the situation or support officers on duty. His absence undermined operational oversight and morale.
• Misplaced Accountability
  Neither Chief Moya nor Manager Curry has publicly placed the blame on the shooter, who remains at large four months later. Instead, administrative staff and command officers are being targeted.
• Disproportionate Discipline
  Capt. Hallett—who supervised the permit approval—received 40 hours without pay and was already on probation. Capt. Young, who did not approve the permit, now faces termination.

  Flawed Appeal Process
Chief Moya is both the complainant and the first-level reviewer for any appeal. Manager Curry, who has publicly backed Chief Moya, stands as the second-level authority. This structure denies Capt. Young an impartial review.

Request for Action

I urge you, as an elected official, to:

1.     Commission an independent review of the internal investigation, ensuring investigators are free of conflicts of interest.

2.     Place Chief Nelson Moya on administrative leave pending that review, given his failure to provide command presence and his role as complainant.

3.     Guarantee a fair appeals process by appointing an impartial reviewer outside the chain of command.

4. Reaffirm that accountability for violence rests with perpetrators, not

dedicated public servants who facilitate community events.

5.     Captain Young is a 22-year veteran who has given steadfast service to Gainesville. She deserves fair treatment, not political scapegoating. An impartial investigation will preserve the integrity of the Gainesville Police Department and encourage qualified officers to serve without fear of administrative reprisal. 

6.     Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter. I am available to speak to you at your convenience.

Respectfully submitted,

Alena Lawson Bennett

Alena Lawson Bennett
Retired Lieutenant, Gainesville Police

Retired Chief Investigator, Public Defender’s Office

Immediate Past President, Atkins Warren Chapter of NOBLE