LA VERGNE, Tenn. — Five police officers in Tennessee have been fired and another three have been suspended without pay following an investigation into a sex scandal within the department, which included officers having sex on duty and city-owned property.
Jason Cole, mayor of the city of La Vergne, just southeast of Nashville, disciplined the officers, calling the situation “unacceptable.”
“As soon as it was brought to our attention it was immediately investigated and action was taken upon the individuals involved,” Cole said in a statement.
Here’s what to know about the investigation:
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La Vergne mayor requests investigation into police department
Cole requested the city’s Human Resources Director Andrew Patton investigate the officers on Dec. 12 after Cole received information from one of the officers who was later fired, according to a report showing investigation findings.
Cole by Dec. 29 approved the discipline decisions recommended by police chief, city attorney, city administrator and assistant city administrator.
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Which officers were disciplined?
La Vergne identified the following as the fired officers:
- Patrol officer Maegan Hall
- Patrol officer Juan Lugo‐Perez
- Sgt. Henry Ty McGowan
- Sgt. Lewis Powell
- Detective Seneca Shields
The city identified the following as the three suspended offices without pay:
- Patrol/K‐9 officer Larry Holladay
- Patrol officer Patrick Magliocco
- Patrol officer Gavin Schoeberl
What did investigators find?
The investigation found that some officers who worked second shift were engaging in unreported sexual relationships, having sex on duty and on city-owned property, and committing sexual harassment by sending explicit photos and videos.
The document includes an investigation of sexual harassment of officers which involved sending nude photos of one of the officers who was ultimately fired. The report mentions officers failing to report their sexual relationships and sexual activity while on duty.
The document also mentions a finding of workplace violence and accuses McGowan of coming into the HR office and putting his hands around the neck of another.
Another finding accuses Powell and McGowan of conspiring to be untruthful during the investigation.
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‘A difficult situation’
La Vergne Police Chief Burrel “Chip” Davis said in a statement the firing and suspension of the officers has created “a difficult situation” for the department and the city.
“I want to be clear that the actions of a few do not represent this department as a whole,” the chief said. “This situation is being addressed internally with our staff, we are bringing in counselors to help our officers work through these circumstances, and we will continue to provide the most professional protection as possible for this community.”
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‘Rebuilding the public’s trust’
The 60-person department now has 11 vacancies, but Davis said there’s enough staff to cover patrol shifts and to protect the community. Both Davis and Cole said the department needs to rebuild trust within the city, which Cole says he has “full confidence” in.
“Our top priority moving forward will include rebuilding the public’s trust,’ Cole said. “We will be retraining all of our employees in the rules, regulations, and expectations set forth by city leadership.”
Contributing: Associated Press
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