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Ousted Miami Police Chief Exposito Loses Termination Appeal

MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- A panel of Miami-Dade judges has denied a petition by former Miami Police Chief Miguel Exposito to get his job back.

Exposito lost his job last year after being suspended for insubordination.

His attorneys had argued that the city commission had no grounds to fire him and Exposito claimed his firing was strictly political.

Back in 2009, when Exposito was selected to be a chief he was tasked with bringing up morale in the department. The 35 year veteran's high hopes faded with several police involved shootings and failed corruption investigations. He soon was at odds with the mayor, once a close ally. Investigations into the chief's actions began and within months they had the dirt they needed.

Read The Ruling: Exposito v City of Miami

Miami's new manager Johnny Martinez asked the chief to hold off on demotions of three senior staff members. Exposito went ahead and changed their responsibilities.

A month later he was fired for not following orders.

After Wednesday's ruling was released, Miami's mayor said it's time to put this behind them.

"Hopefully this is something that is over and we can turn the page and move on," said Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado.

Not so fast, according to Exposito.

"We believe that the lower court erred in its opinion, and as is our right, we have the option to request a re-hearing or take an appeal to the Third District Court of Appeal.  At this time we are considering our options in this regard," said Exposito in a written statement.  "In a similar 1931 case, then Chief of the City of Miami Police Department, Guy Reeve, appealed his wrongful and unlawful termination in the judicial system.  Ultimately, the Florida Supreme Court ruled in favor of Chief Reeves who was reinstated to his former position."

CBS4 News spoke to one of Exposito's attorneys. He said they are reviewing the decision and will decide on their next course of action, which could include a lawsuit against the city.

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