Manatee County, FL – Former Manatee County Sheriff’s Deputy April Culbreath tried to pivot into politics, attempting to win a seat on the Manatee County Commission. However, her campaign crumbled under the weight of her controversial past in law enforcement, which included numerous Internal Affairs investigations, allegations of misconduct, and questionable professional ethics. Notably, during her campaign, Culbreath served as the Manatee County GOP Executive Committee Chairwoman, positioning herself as a conservative leader despite her checkered history. This article delves into each incident, painting a picture of a law enforcement officer who repeatedly violated policies, abused authority, and displayed behavior unbefitting of public office.
Documented Misconduct: A Timeline of Investigations
2000 Investigation (Case AC 2000-099): Mishandling Evidence & Chain of Custody Violations
One of the earliest documented cases against April Culbreath involved allegations that she mishandled evidence and failed to follow proper chain-of-custody procedures. This sparked concerns that she compromised case integrity, as any mismanaged evidence could be thrown out in court. This incident undermined the reliability of her work and raised serious doubts about her ability to follow law enforcement protocols.
2001 Internal Affairs Investigations: Abuse of Power and Excessive Force
AC 2001-091: Unjustified Use of Force
This case involved a disturbing incident in which Culbreath used excessive force on a suspect who was already in custody. The suspect sustained visible injuries, yet Culbreath failed to document the use of force—a direct violation of department policy. Her failure to report the incident and her unwarranted aggression raised serious concerns about her fitness for duty.
AC 2001-116: Threatening a Civilian with Arrest Without Just Cause
In a separate 2001 case, Culbreath was accused of abusing her power during a routine traffic stop. According to Internal Affairs reports, she threatened to arrest a civilian without just cause and exhibited hostile, aggressive behavior. The investigation revealed that Culbreath escalated a non-confrontational situation unnecessarily, an alarming trait for someone in a position of authority.
2004 Investigations: Covering Up Misconduct and Insubordination
AC 2004-042: Falsifying Reports to Protect Another Officer
One of the most egregious incidents involved Culbreath falsifying official statements in an attempt to shield another officer from disciplinary action. Internal Affairs determined that she had deliberately altered documents, an act that compromised the integrity of the department.
AC 2004-115: Ignoring Direct Orders from Superior Officers
In another 2004 incident, Culbreath was investigated for insubordination after ignoring direct orders from her superiors during high-risk vehicle stops. This raised serious safety concerns, as her refusal to follow protocol could have put fellow officers and civilians at risk.
2005: Repeated Excessive Force and Department Violations
AC 2005-031: Escalating a Domestic Dispute & Causing Physical Harm
During a domestic disturbance call, witnesses reported that Culbreath unnecessarily escalated the situation, resulting in physical harm to one of the individuals involved. Instead of de-escalating, she fueled the conflict, demonstrating recklessness and a disregard for professional policing techniques.
AC 2005-060: Using Department Resources for Personal Errands
Furthering her record of unprofessional conduct, Culbreath was investigated for using a patrol vehicle for personal errands, violating department policy. Additionally, reports indicate that she was repeatedly late for her shifts, raising serious concerns about her reliability as an officer.
2008: Ethical Violations & Ties to Criminals
AC 2008-029: Accepting Favors from Known Felons
One of the most damning cases against Culbreath was her involvement with known felons. Internal Affairs discovered that she had accepted free meals, services, and other favors from individuals with criminal records. This compromised the integrity of the department and called her ethical standing into question.
From Law Enforcement to Politics: A Doomed Candidacy
Despite her long history of misconduct, April Culbreath attempted to transition into politics, running for a Manatee County Commissioner seat while simultaneously serving as the Manatee County GOP Executive Committee Chairwoman. However, her past caught up with her, and citizens overwhelmingly rejected her candidacy.
Public Outrage and Calls for Accountability
- Local watchdog groups expressed outrage over her candidacy, stating that someone with a record of abuse, cover-ups, and policy violations had no place in public office.
- Political analysts noted that her past became the defining issue of her campaign, leading to a defeat at the polls.
Final Thoughts: A Career Defined by Controversy
April Culbreath’s career as a Manatee County Sheriff’s Deputy was riddled with controversy, unethical behavior, and disciplinary actions. Her failed political bid serves as a public rejection of her history and an insistence on accountability.
As concerned citizens continue to demand higher standards for those in public office, this case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vetting law enforcement officials and political candidates alike.
This is an ongoing investigation, and we will continue to follow developments related to police misconduct, accountability, and political transparency.
