The police chief of Lake Wales was suspended without pay on Monday by the city manager over accusations of nepotism and lack of transparency, according to a letter sent to Police Chief Chris Velasquez. The letter from city manager James Slaton to Velasquez says he has repeatedly heard public concerns about nepotism and a lack of transparency. He then tells the chief he is suspended without pay for three days beginning next Monday, and that in April, he will advertise a search for a new chief. Neither Slaton nor Chief Velasquez responded to our request for comment tonight. The letter denies any race-based discrimination occurred at Lake Wales police, which is the allegation made by the Poor & Minority Justice Association, that originally prompted the city's internal investigation. The letter was shared by the PMJA with 10 Tampa Bay; We have not been able to verify its authenticity. "We're grateful that it was dealt with in a fashion that says no, ‘this won't be tolerated,’” PMJA founder, Pastor Clayton Cowart, said. “And I wish more people would take actions like that over issues like this." The letter concludes by telling the chief he can respond to the disciplinary action at the city commission meeting next Tuesday but that it would not be considered a formal appeal. MORE: https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/polkcounty/lake-wales-police-chief-replacement-letter/67-e2a05061-0192-4409-887d-a0d489c6e0c0 ►Subscribe: https://on.wtsp.com/youtube ►Website: https://www.wtsp.com/ ►Facebook: https://facebook.com/10TampaBay ►X: https://twitter.com/10TampaBay