Public Out of the Loop Regarding Suspension of Shelby Police Chief

[XLFD]

Public officials who do not understand why the public mistrusts them need only look in the mirror to discover why.  On December 28, the Oceana County Press (full article appears below) reported that the Shelby Police Chief was suspended without pay, in an action taken by the village administrator.  No reason was given to the public, though the administrator did notify each village councilor separately about the reason. 

The OCP says anonymous sources have indicated that criminal fraud seems to be the reason, but also indicates that no official sources will comment further on the whys and wherefores until an investigation is completed. 

Two days later other news agencies have finally got the word including Shoreline Media's Oceana Herald Journal and TV 9 & 10 News, but their reportage has even less data, says nothing about the alleged fraudulent activity, but confirms that none of the Shelby public officials will give out their privileged information as to why this happened. 

None of these media outlets seem to care that they are providing the citizens of Shelby with only a part of a story, which is inclined to make the curious among them wonder why.  The Shelby officials seem unconcerned that their press coverage will spur rumor and make it look like a cover-up on their part.  

Let us not forget that Shelby has had more turnover than McDonald's Bakery lately as noted in our Shelby: Town in Turmoil... article in July, with resigning or recalled councilors, village administrators, treasurers, and DPW workers in their recent past.  Chief Wilson may be getting the same raw deal as Wayland Police Chief Dan Miller received from his city's leadership back when he got fired for dubious reasons (see Rebel Without a Badge) or he could be presumed guilty of something like fraud that went against the public interest.  The question arises though, that if it is the latter why are the people supposedly served by the village elders not being fully apprised?

Police chief suspended by Allison Scarborough

SHELBY — Shelby Police Chief Robert Wilson has been suspended from his job without pay pending an internal investigation, according to Village Administrator Chelsea Stratil.

Police Officer Terry TenBrink has been named “acting chief” in the meantime, Stratil said.

“Until the investigation concludes, there is no further comment,” Stratil said.

OCP has been informed by anonymous sources that the matter is a criminal case involving fraudulent salvage vehicle inspections. The Hart post of the Michigan State Police would not comment on the case.

The decision to suspend Wilson was made by the village administrator, and the village council unanimously agreed, said Village President Paul Inglis. “She contacted each council member individually, and they agreed,” Inglis said.

Wilson was forced to resign as chief in 2007 but was then re-hired by a different village council about two years later. Tim French was hired as police chief in October of 2007 and resigned in December of 2008.

The police department also includes Sgt. Roger “Chuck” Schultz, part-time Officer Ralph Briese and a few other part-time officers that fill in as needed, Inglis said. Schultz was shot in the leg and grazed on the chest Sept. 5, 2007 behind the former Plan B Bar & Grille, and the crime has never been solved.

Inglis said Wilson had been the chief “for a long time” prior to the controversy that erupted eight years ago.

When asked if the investigation involved fraudulent salvage vehicle inspections, Inglis replied, “I cannot respond to that.”

“It’s a difficult time for the council, the administrator and the chief during the holidays,” Inglis said. “It is not something any of us take lightly. It’s a very sensitive issue.”

Wilson, whose yearly salary is $48,000, will continue to receive benefits during his suspension, Inglis said.

Village officials are not releasing any further information at this time. A call to Wilson was not returned.

[Willy]

Sounds like Shelby is having some more troubles. I wonder if they have been misinterpreting their town slogan. The asparagus stalks with the 2 cherries hanging down must also have a subliminal meaning.

[XLFD]

That picture-editing showing the fine fruits of Shelby tickled me all the way down to my cherries. Is it a coincidence that the Womyn's Music Festival is basically next door?

[stump]

I wonder why the city cop would be involved in salvage vehicle inspections. Years ago I was involved with repairing totaled vehicles that were repaired and received salvage titles. All inspections were done by the sheriffs department. I called the DMV and they set up the appointment. Maybe things have changed.

[XLFD]

More media sources have had their take on this story and it's still all details unknown.  With a sheriff running the inspections, you won't have this kind of screwy actions taking place, as county officials would not be able to easily suspend a sheriff without some due process, after all it is an elected position. 

The way it is being handled, I won't be surprised that the police chief is being railroaded.