No charges against SPD asst. chief after misconduct investigation
»Play Video
SEATTLE -- No charges are going to be filed against an assistant police chief with the Seattle Police Department who was the subject of a recent misconduct investigation, the King County prosecutor's office said Tuesday.
The Washington State Patrol had been asked by the U.S. Attorney's office to investigate Assistant Chief Mike Sanford over three allegations he exerted "undue influence."
There were concerns he used his high-ranking role to help his daughter after she caused a car-crash in the North Precinct last summer. Sanford showed up to the scene, and a traffic collision report never got filed, but no wrongdoing was found.
"(The officer on scene) reported, as part of this investigation, that he was not in any way intimidated or influenced by comments by Chief Sanford," said Deputy Chief Clark Kimerer.
Co-workers also criticized Sanford for exerting undue influence when it came to officers giving to charities such as the Special Olympics. But the department says his comments were misconstrued.
"In the course of his work, Chief Sanford made comments joking about giving," Kimerer said. "They were innocent comments that could be misconstrued but hardly rising to level of criminality."
The month-long investigation also looked into whether Sanford exerted influence in the selection of materials to be used in a promotional exam.
The patrol's investigation was completed and forwarded to prosecutors on Monday. Tuesday, the King County prosecutor's office determined the patrol's investigation found no evidence of any criminal wrongdoing.
Chief Criminal Deputy Mark Larson wrote in a letter to State Patrol Chief John Batiste Tuesday that the patrol "uncovered no evidence to support a conclusion that there was a criminal law violation."
The Washington State Patrol had been asked by the U.S. Attorney's office to investigate Assistant Chief Mike Sanford over three allegations he exerted "undue influence."
There were concerns he used his high-ranking role to help his daughter after she caused a car-crash in the North Precinct last summer. Sanford showed up to the scene, and a traffic collision report never got filed, but no wrongdoing was found.
"(The officer on scene) reported, as part of this investigation, that he was not in any way intimidated or influenced by comments by Chief Sanford," said Deputy Chief Clark Kimerer.
Co-workers also criticized Sanford for exerting undue influence when it came to officers giving to charities such as the Special Olympics. But the department says his comments were misconstrued.
"In the course of his work, Chief Sanford made comments joking about giving," Kimerer said. "They were innocent comments that could be misconstrued but hardly rising to level of criminality."
The month-long investigation also looked into whether Sanford exerted influence in the selection of materials to be used in a promotional exam.
The patrol's investigation was completed and forwarded to prosecutors on Monday. Tuesday, the King County prosecutor's office determined the patrol's investigation found no evidence of any criminal wrongdoing.
Chief Criminal Deputy Mark Larson wrote in a letter to State Patrol Chief John Batiste Tuesday that the patrol "uncovered no evidence to support a conclusion that there was a criminal law violation."
?
There were concerns he used his high-ranking role to help his daughter after she caused a car-crash in the North Precinct last summer. Sanford showed up to the scene, and a traffic collision report never got filed, but no wrongdoing was found. "(The officer on scene) reported, as part of this investigation, that he was not in any way intimidated or influenced by comments by Chief Sanford," said Deputy Chief Clark Kimerer.
Of Course......When have we seen an officer be found guilty for anything. They are above the law and can do what ever they want! Even kick a person that is face down on the sidewalk in cuffs! The solution the DOJ negociates had better start holding officers accountable. It is out of control in this city.