BY JENNIFER CABRERA

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Gainesville Police Chief Lonnie Scott Sr. announced this morning that he will be retiring “in lieu of termination.”

The resignation is effective March 29, and Assistant Chief Nelson Moya will serve as Interim Chief while a national search is conducted.

Scott sent his resignation letter to City Manager Cynthia Curry this morning, stating, “You offered me the opportunity to submit my resignation in lieu of immediate termination and I requested the weekend to decide. After considering the alternatives, I have elected to submit my resignation. Nevertheless, I remain unclear as to why you believe this is necessary.” Scott went on to highlight actions he has recently taken that he believes will “bear fruit in the near future” and requested six weeks’ severance pay.

In her memorandum accepting Scott’s resignation, Curry wrote that she had “decided it is time to move the Gainesville Police Department in a different direction.” She concluded, “We are grateful to Chief Scott for his years of service to the people of Gainesville and wish him the best in all future endeavors.”