Brad Heiman, chief of the Jamaica Beach Police Department, resigned late last week, asserting he had been harassed by City Councilwoman Lorraine “Taz” Jones and “her group of followers,” according to a letter the mayor posted Tuesday on social media.

Mayor Clay Morris accepted the resignation and posted the letter, dated Friday, on his official Jamaica Beach social media page.

“I have continually attempted through the years to make things better with the staff, administration and the police department hoping that the negativity being expressed by ‘just a few’ to not play into their minds,” according to Morris’ social media post.

Jones denied the assertions, saying Morris and Heiman were attempting to silence her.

“What they’re saying is one-sided,” Jones said. “They want me to be silenced.”

In the letter, Heiman asserted Jones had created a hostile work environment that undermined his and his wife’s health.

“I have been harassed by council member, Taz Jones, and her group of followers,” according to the resignation letter. “Her creation of an extremely hostile work environment has caused me to have serious health concerns.”

The city is looking for a replacement chief, according to Morris’ social media post said.

Heiman has offered to stay in his position until a replacement is found, according to the post.

José Mendiola: 409-683-5230 or jose.mendiola@galvnews.com