Sheriff's Lieutenant Under Criminal Investigation

A sheriff's lieutenant was placed on paid administrative leave Wednesday pending the outcome of a criminal investigation.

Sheriff Richard Nugent notified Robert Libengood of his status in a one-sentence memo dated Sept. 3.

Sgt. Donna Black, spokeswoman, would not comment on the investigation.

Also Wednesday, a sergeant who was the subject of two in-house investigations and had another one pending resigned from the force after 10 years.

Donald Smith was on restricted duty at the time of his resignation, meaning he could not perform as a law enforcement officer until an internal affairs investigation was complete.

One of the investigations was related to allegations from Smith's ex-girlfriend that he struck her during an argument. The state attorney's office declined to file charges against him.

The investigations were not available for public viewing Thursday.

In a letter obtained by Hernando Today, Donald Smith wrote that it was with "deep sorrow and regret" that he submitted his resignation.

"I will miss working here," Smith continued.

Smith could not be reached for comment.

Black said there is no connection between the internal affairs investigations and Libengood.