Ronica Shannon
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.
