Pensacola Police, FDLE Expand Investigation Into Arrested Officer Matthew Baxter

PENSACOLA, Fla. — Investigators are examining whether alleged criminal conduct involving a part-time Pensacola police officer extended beyond the incident that led to his arrest on felony narcotics charges.

Matthew Baxter was arrested following an investigation conducted by the Pensacola Police Department and the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

The investigation involved allegations that Baxter purchased oxycodone while wearing his police uniform and driving a department vehicle after completing a shift at Pensacola International Airport.

During an interview Thursday morning on NewsRadio 92.3's Pensacola's Morning News, Pensacola Police spokesman Mike Wood said investigators are looking into Baxter's past conduct.

"We are cooperating with FDLE," Wood said. "They're going to look back and see how far back it goes and see exactly what else is going on with that individual."

Wood emphasized that the department intends to cooperate fully with the investigation.

He also rejected the suggestion that officers would protect a colleague accused of criminal activity.

"None of our careers, our integrity, our pensions, none of that is worth trying to cover for a bad cop," Wood said.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Authorities have not announced whether additional charges will be filed or whether investigators have identified other incidents involving Baxter.

Baxter's charges are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.