Release posted on 03-12-26 at 3:03 PM

Chief Anthony Holloway convened a Command Review Board to review allegations that Officer Ramon Ortega was negligent, resulting in the loss or damage to Department Property.

Summary:
On December 30, 2025, the Pasco Sheriff's office notified the St. Petersburg Police Department that a police duty belt had been found by a dumpster behind a store in that jurisdiction. The St. Petersburg Police Department Equipment Room confirmed it belonged to Officer Ramon Ortega. It contained a department-issued holster, handgun, magazines, Taser, and other items. Ortega did not notify a supervisor about the missing belt before Ortega's next shift.

Ortega has had other disciplinary issues in the last 18 months.

The Command Review Board sustained the following violations:

• Negligent Loss or Damage of Department Property (City Rules and Regulations Group III #31)
• Improper Procedures (City Rules and Regulations Group 1 #11)
• Chronic Offender of the Code of Conduct (City Rules and Regulations Group III #38)

Ortega was sworn in as a St. Petersburg Police Officer in October 2020.

Ortega's employment was terminated on March 11, 2026.