JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — The former head of the Atlantic Beach Police Department will not serve jail time even after admitting to ordering illegal prescription drugs from overseas.
Michael Classey, 50, faced a tough sentencing hearing Wednesday, admitting in open court his problems with alcoholism.
Classey and his wife, who was sitting in the gallery, were noticeably emotional when Classey asked the court for a second chance.
Former Atlantic Beach commissioners and the former city attorney, Alan Jensen, also took the stand to defend Classey.
"A good guy who made a bad mistake. It's too bad," said Jensen.
Classey, a 22-year law enforcement veteran with an otherwise clean record, said he will never wear the uniform again.
"I'm so regretful for what I've done," said Classey. "I've always said you hold police officers to a higher standard."
Classey resigned as police chief of Atlantic Beach in September of last year after becoming the focus of an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
He was eventually arrested on several drug-related charges. According to investigators, Classey was buying illegal prescription drugs online.
Classey admitted he began getting steroids prescribed by a doctor to help him lose weight, but when his insurance wouldn't cover the drugs, he turned to other methods.
"I went online and purchased those things without a doctor's prescription, at a much cheaper rate," said Classey.
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At one point, Judge Tatiana Salvador asked if there was ever any indication that Classey was selling the drugs, pointing out that investigators found large amounts of drugs, including Xanax, in his home.
Assistant State Attorney Rich Mantei said they weren't aware of any customers.
According to Classey, he's been attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings regularly to deal with his long battle with alcoholism.
"I know what I've done. I've got to be punished for it," said Classey.
This is the first time the former Atlantic Beach police chief has faced a judge while sitting in the defendant's chair.
Classey pleaded guilty in January to counts of possession of a controlled substance and tampering with evidence. According to Classey, the day he was confronted by FDLE agents, he asked his son to get rid of a computer investigators said he used to order illegal prescription drugs from overseas.
"I can't tell you the failure that I feel as a father to ask my grown son to do something, he didn't know what he was doing or why, to ask him to do something that eventually involved him in getting himself in trouble. I'm ashamed of that, I'm ashamed of myself," said Classey.
The judge withheld adjudication, essentially not convicting him but imposing five years' probation for a drug offender, meaning he will have to undergo random drug testing, complete community service and pay court fees.
Classey's otherwise clean record and the nonviolent nature of the offenses played a role in sentencing.
According to the state attorney, he will also owe FDLE more than $11,000 in restitution.
Mantei called it an unfortunate case.
"The public has to be able to trust that you exercise good judgment. If you exercise bad judgment in one place, how could they trust your judgment in another?" said Mantei.
Classey's defense attorney said he would like to serve out part of his probation in Georgia, where Classey's children and parents live. He said he will seek employment in other fields and will continue attending AA meetings.
Atlantic Beach Mayor Carolyn Woods says the ruling wasn't a surprise. "It's frustrating because you hold someone to a higher standard in that position. It's very disappointing," said Woods.
The mayor just wants everyone to put this behind them, and move on with more pressing issues in the city. "We have to trust the courts, that they've done the right thing," said Woods.
Action News Law and Safety Expert Dale Carson looked at the charges Classey was facing and says this is a fair sentence for a first time offender.