The Richmond Police Department’s investigation into physical and sexual misconduct allegations involving three officers is finished, but it could be a while before an official outcome is publicly announced, according to police chief Larry Brock.
The officers involved in the allegations remain suspended from duty with pay.
Detective Brian Lafferty has been in charge of the department’s internal investigation that began in late October.
The case began Tuesday, Oct. 27 as an investigation of the Madison County Sheriff’s Department when a neighbor of the alleged victim contacted the sheriff’s office out of concern for her neighbor’s safety, said Madison County Sheriff Nelson O’Donnell.
She first was interviewed at her residence where she said the three officers sexually assaulted her, O’Donnell said.
Her first story to sheriff’s deputies was that the sex began consensually, but then she became afraid, “... and from that time on, it was not (consensual),” O’Donnell said. “The next morning, she comes retracting her entire statement, and said the whole thing was consensual.”
Her conflicting stories has put a halt to the sheriff’s department’s investigation, because without a complaining witness, it is hard to make a case, O’Donnell said.
Brock said Monday he realized many in the community already had made assumptions regarding the case.
“We are not trying to hide anything, but there are certain procedural protocols and laws that we have to follow to reach our final destination,” Brock said. “We prefer to have a full, fair and accurate account of the facts to help guide our decision-making process. To do otherwise would be irresponsible. When we get there, we will gladly share the findings and final outcome of the investigation.”
The police department’s investigation now is in the hands of Richmond City Attorney Garrett Fowles.
“We are continuing to work closely with the city attorney on the matter and would ask our citizens to be patient while we work through the process,” Brock said.
Ronica Shannon can be reached at rshannon@richmondregister.com or 624-6608.
Local News
RPD: Misconduct investigation complete
Community asked to be patient
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Kiwanis auction Saturday at City Hall
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Friday at library : Lecturer to portray founder of Berea
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As the son of a slave-holding father, Fee witnessed firsthand the benefits of having slaves and the profits that could be made from their labor. When he graduated from college and enrolled in Lane Theological Seminary, he began to understand the inherent wrong and destructiveness of slavery. -
Berea woman dies Tuesday in Laurel County crash
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The accident took place about 7 p.m. at the junction of Maple Grove Road and KY 363 south of London, as Johnson was attempting to turn onto the state highway.
Laurel County Chief Deputy Eddy Sizemore said Johnson’s Chevrolet Cavalier pulled out in front of a Dodge Durango driven by Charles Joseph, 19, that was traveling south on KY 363.
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Joseph also was transported to the hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries, according to the accident report. -
Finally February
Ian Rosser, an Eastern Kentucky University student from Lexington, clears snow from his car parked on campus Wednesday
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