Detective suspended for drinking before MADD conference

LARGO, Fla. (AP) — Officials say a Florida detective had been drinking before he attended a Mother's Against Drunk Driving conference and made disrespectful comments to another department's police chief.

The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office reports that Detective Michael Szeliga served a one-day suspension on Friday.

A report from an internal investigation says Szeliga was on duty July 24 when he attended the MADD event. The report says Szeliga made comments toward Gulfport police Chief Robert Vincent that were "considered disrespectful and overtly influenced by alcohol."

Other officers reported the comments to a Pinellas County Sheriff's Office supervisor, and Szeliga was banned from an awards ceremony.

The report says Szeliga acknowledged that he should not have consumed alcohol before attending the banquet.