Tampa Police Department fires accused killer's aunt

TAMPA - After a 10 year career as a customer service representative with the Tampa Police Department, Carolyn Riggins, aunt of alleged police officer killer Dontae Morris, has officially been terminated.

The decision to terminate Riggins was made after a pre-disciplinary hearing Tuesday afternoon, where she was found in violation of multiple regulations and policies.

“Our investigation has revealed that Carolyn Riggins both withheld pertinent information that could have aided in the suspect’s apprehension and provided information to his associates that interfered with the department’s ability to track down the suspect,” Police Chief Castor said.

Castor expressed her disappoint from the betrayal from one of the department’s own employees.

“As our department was reeling from the loss of two fine officers, it was another devastating blow to discover a valued Tampa Police Department employee worked against our efforts to catch the hardened criminal,” Castor said.

Lieutenant Kenneth D. Morman of the Strategic Investigations Bureau wrote that, “It has been established and it is undisputed that Carolyn Riggins conveyed guidance and information to third parties, after the investigation indentified suspects in the murder,” in the disposition letter pertaining to Carolyn Riggins.

The letter also revealed that when Riggins was interviewed after suspects were arrested, she gave inconsistent statements and provided information that contradicted the findings of the investigation.

Riggins received a notice of disciplinary action that explained why she was being released from her position.

“…you withheld information pertinent to the apprehension of the suspect who you knew was wanted for their murder,” TPD said in the letter.

She was found in violation of truthfulness in departmental matters, interference with cases, two violations of manual of regulations and a violation of the City of Tampa’s Personnel Manual.

Castor went on to say that Riggins' relationship to the suspect played no part in terminating her.

“Her dismissal is based solely on her actions that hindered the search for Dontae Morris,” she said.

Riggins was suspended without pay from her position last Wednesday after the department learned that she withheld her daughter's relationship with Morris' brother, Dwayne Callaway.