The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office is investigating Hillsboro Police Department leaders over theft allegations, authorities announced today (Jan. 11).
“Earlier this week, an employee with the Hillsboro Police Department approached the city administration regarding what they believed to be unethical conduct within the department," Hillsboro Mayor Joe Phillips said in a written statement. “While this alleged behavior was administrative in nature and at no time put citizens or the community at risk, it is nonetheless being investigated thoroughly. In the interest of objectivity, the investigation is being carried out by detectives with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office with the full cooperation of the city of Hillsboro.”
As a result of the allegations, "one officer has been terminated and an administrator within the police department has been placed on leave pending the results of the investigation," Phillips said.
No suspects’ names have been released, and, at least temporarily, the Sheriff’s Office has “taken a command position of the Hillsboro Police Department,” Jefferson County Sheriff Dave Marshak said.
He said the Sheriff’s Office has only been on the case for a couple of days.
“We were contacted Jan. 9 in regard to a criminal investigation concerning a member or members of the Hillsboro Police Department,” he said. “The main allegations are theft-related.”
Marshak said the Sheriff’s Office will assist Hillsboro Police in administrative duties and patrols for the time being, but Hillsboro city leaders need to quickly decide what to do next.
“We are committed to all Jefferson Countians’ service and safety. We are going to support (Hillsboro Police’s) entire law enforcement operations until this is resolved. I assigned Lt. Pat Hawkins to assist the city of Hillsboro Police on a temporary basis. Lt. Hawkins will provide guidance and leadership support to the city.
“We’ll reconvene with city leadership Monday (Jan. 14) to discuss the best plan of action.”
The Hillsboro Board of Alderpersons promoted Hillsboro Police Lt. Steve Hutt to take over as police chief in August, replacing Charles Bennett, who retired after a long illness and extended sick leave. Hutt has served as the department’s police chief since that time, although he had handled police chief duties long before because of Bennett’s absence.