In a press conference held at the Kissimmee Police Department at 1 pm on Thursday, City Manager Mike Steigerwald addressed findings from a grand jury investigation revealing a “culture of cover-up” within the Kissimmee Police Department (KPD). Alongside Steigerwald, newly appointed Interim Police Chief Robert Anzueto—a veteran with 30 years of law enforcement experience with the Orlando Police Department and Orange County Sheriff’s Office—pledged to restore transparency and accountability within the department. Anzueto’s appointment follows the recent resignation of former Chief Betty Holland, who has been accused of obstructing a criminal investigation into alleged excessive force by Officer Andrew Baseggio.
“I’m fully committed to moving forward with purpose and dedication. I want to begin by saying I have the utmost respect for the dedicated men and women who serve our community with steadfast commitment every day. They are the backbone of this department working tirelessly to keep our community safe,” Interim Police Chief Robert Anzueto shared during the news conference.
The findings, detailed in a 34-page report released Thursday by the Orange-Osceola State Attorney’s Office, accuse Chief Holland and other KPD leaders of attempting to shield Baseggio after he reportedly kneed a suspect in the face and used a Taser on him multiple times during an April 2023 incident. Baseggio received only an eight-hour suspension despite body cam evidence showing no visible resistance from the suspect. Several officers, including Darrius Benjamin, who later resigned after a separate excessive force incident, reportedly failed to intervene or report the incident, later admitting they believed the force used was excessive.
Grand jurors criticized KPD’s Internal Affairs Section as being severely understaffed and ill-equipped to maintain rigorous oversight. They recommended restructuring the department’s internal processes, bolstering resources, and instilling a zero-tolerance policy toward misconduct and cover-ups. Officers Takeya Close and other internal investigators were cited for declaring the force “objectively reasonable,” while the footage reportedly contradicted this assessment.
During the press conference Steigerwald said he was “shocked” to hear the grand jury’s findings, promising immediate steps to address the issues, including evaluating KPD’s command staff and revising protocols. Steigerwald said the City of Kissimmee has also appointed the Orange County Sheriff’s Office to investigate the conduct of eleven officers whose credibility has been questioned in the report. Chief Anzueto is tasked with implementing reforms to address cultural issues within KPD, with training recommended in crisis management, investigative protocols, and mandatory reporting.
The grand jury’s recommendations also called for formal disciplinary actions against officers who discuss ongoing internal affairs investigations, as well as compliance with Florida law regarding mandatory reporting.
