Former police chief files federal whistleblower lawsuit against City of Quincy

Erin Hill

Gadsden County News Service

Former Quincy Police Chief Carlos Hill has filed a federal lawsuit against the City of Quincy, alleging he was fired in retaliation for reporting misconduct within the police department and for speaking out on matters of public concern.

The complaint, filed June 24 in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida, alleges violations of the Florida Whistleblower Act and Hill’s First Amendment rights. Hill is seeking damages exceeding $75,000, along with attorney’s fees, reinstatement to his position and other relief.

Hill served with the Quincy Police Department beginning in 2017. He was appointed interim police chief in November 2023 before being sworn in as the city’s permanent chief in August 2024. He was terminated on Feb. 4, 2026.

According to the lawsuit, Hill began reporting misconduct, policy violations and operational concerns within the police department in 2024 and continued raising concerns throughout 2025. The complaint alleges those reports included employees bypassing the chain of command to communicate with elected officials, unauthorized investigations and other conduct that exposed the department to legal liability and undermined public trust. Hill says he reported those concerns to City Manager Roger Milton and other supervisors.

The lawsuit also centers on testimony Hill gave in May 2025 during a federal civil rights lawsuit involving the City of Quincy. According to the complaint, Hill testified under oath about police department operations, including departmental procedures governing investigations. The lawsuit alleges that testimony addressed matters of public concern and constituted protected speech under both Florida law and the First Amendment.

The complaint further alleges that Hill ordered an Internal Affairs investigation the following day after discovering what he believed were discrepancies in sworn testimony involving Sgt. Deanthony Shamar. The lawsuit claims the investigation was intended to determine whether unauthorized investigative activity, false statements or other policy violations had occurred.

The events immediately preceding Hill’s termination involve a citizen complaint filed on Feb. 2, 2026.

According to the lawsuit, Quincy resident Paula Phillips reported that then-Mayor Pro Tem Michael Stephens entered her property without permission, shouted at her and threw paperwork while stating that his wife wanted to “kick your ass.” Hill alleges he notified Milton about the complaint but that Milton declined to intervene or provide guidance. Hill then initiated an investigation into the allegations, stating that the complaint warranted investigation regardless of Stephens’ elected position.

The complaint alleges officers later contacted Stephens regarding the complaint. According to the lawsuit, Stephens denied threatening Phillips, a trespass warning was issued and no further action was taken.

Hill alleges he was summoned to a meeting with Milton and Human Resources Technician Carolyn Bush the following day, where Milton presented him with the choice to resign or be terminated. The lawsuit states Hill questioned whether the decision was retaliation for his reports of misconduct before Milton finalized the termination.

According to the complaint, Hill had not been subject to disciplinary action, a performance improvement plan or formal counseling before his dismissal and had received no notice that his job was in jeopardy.

Following his termination, Hill publicly addressed the Quincy City Commission, maintaining that he had been dismissed without due process and questioning the circumstances surrounding his removal.

In the lawsuit, Hill alleges the city retaliated against him because he reported suspected misconduct and participated in investigations and legal proceedings. He claims the city violated both the Florida Whistleblower Act and his constitutional right to free speech.

The case was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Florida. Court records show a summons was issued to the City of Quincy on June 25.

The allegations contained in the complaint have not been proven in court, and the City of Quincy had not filed a response to the lawsuit as of press time on Tuesday..

Former police chief files federal whistleblower lawsuit against City of Quincy

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Former police chief files federal whistleblower lawsuit against City of Quincy

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Wood retains District 1 seat in Quincy special election

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