ST. PETERSBURG - A city supervisor knew a parking enforcement officer under his watch was driving a city vehicle with a suspended driver's license and didn't tell anyone or take any steps to rectify the situation.

Earl Cooley, a special collections officer who worked for the city for nearly 10 years, resigned earlier this month after his supervisors found out about his omission. He earned $68,194 annually.

Cooley's troubles began when a parking enforcement officer told him she had a suspended license. He told her he would take care of it, but then neglected to tell city management about the driving infraction, said Gary Cornwell, the city's human resources director.

When management found out, they lost confidence in Cooley, said Cornwell. He resigned Nov. 14 so that he would not be fired, Cornwell said.

It's unclear how long the parking enforcement officer was allowed to drive with a suspended license or how long Cooley kept her secret. Cooley's supervisor, Richard Bulger, director of Billing and Collections, did not return several calls from a reporter seeking comment.

The parking enforcement officer has been assigned to a desk job until she can drive again, Cornwell said.

- Cristina Silva, Times Staff Writer