Thursday, May 14, 2009

Officer Tom Webster Placed on Administrative Leave

A second member of Gaylord’s Police Department has been placed on paid administrative leave.

On the recommendation of the City Attorney, council members Wednesday voted unanimously to place officer Tom Webster on non-disciplinary paid administrative leave. That action came a week after Gaylord’s City Council approved placing Gaylord Police Chief Dale Roiger on paid administrative leave.

Two weeks ago, criminal charges were filed against Roiger for allegedly planting a “bug” in the Chamber of Commerce office nearly two years ago. According to the criminal complaint, officer Webster initially denied any involvement with the planting of the digital recording device. He later said Roiger told him to plant the device in the chamber office, according to the complaint.

There have been no charges filed against Webster. Council members were initially going to consider probation terms for the officer last week. But, City Attorney Donald Lannoye recommended that before the City makes a decision, an internal investigation should be conducted.

It is Lannoye’s belief that the City does not have all the information in this case. He believes the most responsible way to handle the situation is to get all the information possible, then determine an appropriate solution.

Lannoye also recommended that Webster be placed on leave during the internal investigation. Because the allegations question Webster’s honesty, the officer could be a liability to the City at this time, Lannoye explained.

It is expected to take 2-4 weeks to complete an investigation. Because of a conflict of interest, the investigation will not be conducted by Sibley County officials. There will be no cost to the City for the investigation, Lannoye explained.

Charges against Chief Roiger in this case include illegal interception of communications and misconduct of a public officer or employee. Roiger made his first court appearance last month. A probable cause hearing has been set for Monday, June 8th.

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