TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Sheriff Chad Chronister said the members of his command staff involved in a cheating scandal had "lapses in judgment," but he maintains their actions are not illegal.

"I want to be clear; I will not stand here and condemn the individuals involved in this matter. They are not bad people. They are respected leaders, decorated professionals and compassionate human beings, mothers, fathers, husbands and wives, who have collectively spent decades protecting and serving our community," Chronister said.

Four members of his command staff have resigned and two were fired after it was revealed one man may have completed course work or written papers for them in career advancement training classes.

The cheating scandal first came to light when the wife of former Chief Deputy A

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