What's going on with the Alton P.D.?

[Rinkerfam]

Does anyone know why the top three cops in Alton are on paid leave? Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[upthesaukee]

...and I for one would not pass on something relating to this case that was not already public (seen in the media) knowledge.

here's a link to the Fosters:

http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll...WS05/111300296

[Weirs guy]

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

...and I for one would not pass on something relating to this case that was not already public (seen in the media) knowledge.

That almost sounds like someone knows a secret they can't tell...

[GWC...]

Originally Posted by Weirs guy

That almost sounds like someone knows a secret they can't tell...

You must be forgetting the old saying, "If I tell you, I will have to kill you!"

Surely thee does not wish to be killed by ones curiosity?!

[Rocky]

Originally Posted by GWC...

You must be forgetting the old saying, "If I tell you, I will have to kill you!"

Surely thee does not wish to be killed by ones curiosity?!

Three can keep a secret if two are dead.

[The Worm]

The problem with this is, if this were anybody else, teachers, business men, clergy, the average joe... you name it...their names and "alleged" offenses would be splattered all over every newspaper and TV news report within 200 miles, and they would have satellite vans and reporters camped out on their front lawns 24/7.

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by Weirs guy

That almost sounds like someone knows a secret they can't tell...

Smile is duly noted . And UTS does not have any insider info, and if I did, and told ya, I'd have to bring in the Sopranos and....well you know. .

[mcdude]

From the Baysider:

November 30, 2006
ALTON — After a Nov. 27 selectmen's meeting was canceled at short notice, it appears there is truth to rumors that Police Chief Kevin Iwans, Captain Charles Anderson, and Lieutenant Ed Correia have all been suspended from the department with pay, while the town administrator and Town Attorney James Sessler conduct an investigation.

A statement released by Sessler indicates that the investigation was triggered by whistle-blowers within the police department.

When contacted, Selectmen Chair Cris Blackstone couldn't comment, and referred any questions to Sessler, who read the following prepared statement:

"As a result of an ongoing preliminary investigation conducted by the town attorney and town administrator begun in September of this year that was instituted only after receipt of information from more than one police department personnel, the board of selectmen last night [Nov. 27] voted to take such steps as are necessary to ensure the unrestricted completion of the investigation."

[gtxrider]

I have a hard time with suspended with pay. Lets see not going to work and being paid. Isn't that a vacation? Punish me like that, please.

[HomeWood]

Originally Posted by gtxrider

I have a hard time with suspended with pay. Lets see not going to work and being paid. Isn't that a vacation? Punish me like that, please.

If the investigation is not done, then they can't be punished. That would be like sending somebody to prison or making them pay a fine before they have been found guilty or not guilty. The town just doesn't want them working in their positions right now, for whatever reason. Trust me, I'm sure they are not enjoying their "vacation".

[MJM]

What is the investigation about? What are they suspected of doing?

[RLW]

Originally Posted by MJM

What is the investigation about? What are they suspected of doing?

I believe we are all waiting to see what is happening and for any new news regarding the situation.

[GTO]

Originally Posted by MJM

What is the investigation about? What are they suspected of doing?

Don't we eventually pay their salaries? Aren't they there to serve and protect the "public".

Then why doesn't the public know anything?

If this were you and I, I doubt in our jobs, no matter what the offense is, we would not get a "paid vacation". I'm sure our butts would be out on the street and we'd be reading about ourselves on the front page of the local paper.

More coverups is all it is..

[Dave R]

Originally Posted by GTO

Don't we eventually pay their salaries? Aren't they there to serve and protect the "public".

Then why doesn't the public know anything?

If this were you and I, I doubt in our jobs, no matter what the offense is, we would not get a "paid vacation". I'm sure our butts would be out on the street and we'd be reading about ourselves on the front page of the local paper.

More coverups is all it is..

If it were covered up, why would we now be discussing it? Seems like it's plainly noit covered up.

[playinghooky]

Tuesday, December 5, 2006
Town elaborates on police probe

A police officer who offered "detailed behavior" about happenings within the town's police department ultimately prompted selectmen to place the town's police chief and two ranking officers on leave, the town's attorney told a standing-room-only audience at Town Hall Monday.

Speaking on behalf of town officials, attorney James Sessler read a prepared statement which was intended to expand upon a short statement that had been issued from Town Hall last Tuesday, following the decision to place Chief Kevin Iwans, Capt. Charles Anderson, and Lt. Edward Correia on paid administrative leave during a nonpublic session on the night of Nov. 27.

On Monday, Sessler informed the audience that, in September, he had been approached by a local attorney representing an Alton police officer who had concerns which that officer wanted to make known.

Sessler said that, after the officer was assured of confidentiality in the matter, he stated that "the selectmen are on to something" with their investigation into the Alton Police Department and, as such, should be allowed to continue with their investigation.

Sessler said he and the officer talked for two hours, during which the officer "detailed behavior" that caused Sessler to become concerned. Sessler said he shared his concerns with Town Administrator Russell Bailey.

Sessler said he and Bailey confirmed the officer's allegations with two other officers from the Alton department. Those two officers also were guaranteed confidentiality, according to Sessler.

Sessler said he and Bailey then began an investigation. Sessler said neither he nor Bailey involved the selectmen in the investigation and, further, the selectmen were not made aware of the situation until Monday of last week.

Sessler maintained that the selectmen have not been informed of the details of the investigation; they were told only that there was an investigation when they were asked to take action on Nov. 27.

Sessler said that, because the investigation involves a personnel matter and could result in disciplinary action, neither he nor any town officials could or would comment further.

Sessler said that, at some point in the future, details may be told, but he warned that "this may not happen."

"We reserve the right of privacy in these matters," Sessler concluded.

Sessler, on behalf of the town, had released a brief, cryptic statement on Nov. 28 which disclosed the fact that there was a "ongoing, preliminary investigation" being conducted by Sessler and Bailey based on information they received from "more than one" Alton Police Department personnel.

The statement continued by saying that the Board of Selectmen, at a nonpublic meeting, voted to take "such steps as necessary to insure the unrestricted completion of the investigation."

The statement concluded with the following caveat: "There will be no further comment until the investigation is complete."

Monday night's addendum to the previously released statement came in response to pressure from the public and the media to explain, in greater detail, what could be revealed about the conditions existing to warrant placing Iwans, Anderson and Correia on paid leave.
c. 2006 George J. Foster Co.

[TomC]

This goes on and on yet leaves the reader with more questions than answers..

Originally Posted by playinghooky

Tuesday, December 5, 2006
Town elaborates on police probe

A police officer who offered "detailed behavior" about happenings within the town's police department ultimately prompted selectmen to place the town's police chief and two ranking officers on leave, the town's attorney told a standing-room-only audience at Town Hall Monday.

Speaking on behalf of town officials, attorney James Sessler read a prepared statement which was intended to expand upon a short statement that had been issued from Town Hall last Tuesday, following the decision to place Chief Kevin Iwans, Capt. Charles Anderson, and Lt. Edward Correia on paid administrative leave during a nonpublic session on the night of Nov. 27.

On Monday, Sessler informed the audience that, in September, he had been approached by a local attorney representing an Alton police officer who had concerns which that officer wanted to make known.

Sessler said that, after the officer was assured of confidentiality in the matter, he stated that "the selectmen are on to something" with their investigation into the Alton Police Department and, as such, should be allowed to continue with their investigation.

Sessler said he and the officer talked for two hours, during which the officer "detailed behavior" that caused Sessler to become concerned. Sessler said he shared his concerns with Town Administrator Russell Bailey.

Sessler said he and Bailey confirmed the officer's allegations with two other officers from the Alton department. Those two officers also were guaranteed confidentiality, according to Sessler.

Sessler said he and Bailey then began an investigation. Sessler said neither he nor Bailey involved the selectmen in the investigation and, further, the selectmen were not made aware of the situation until Monday of last week.

Sessler maintained that the selectmen have not been informed of the details of the investigation; they were told only that there was an investigation when they were asked to take action on Nov. 27.

Sessler said that, because the investigation involves a personnel matter and could result in disciplinary action, neither he nor any town officials could or would comment further.

Sessler said that, at some point in the future, details may be told, but he warned that "this may not happen."

"We reserve the right of privacy in these matters," Sessler concluded.

Sessler, on behalf of the town, had released a brief, cryptic statement on Nov. 28 which disclosed the fact that there was a "ongoing, preliminary investigation" being conducted by Sessler and Bailey based on information they received from "more than one" Alton Police Department personnel.

The statement continued by saying that the Board of Selectmen, at a nonpublic meeting, voted to take "such steps as necessary to insure the unrestricted completion of the investigation."

The statement concluded with the following caveat: "There will be no further comment until the investigation is complete."

Monday night's addendum to the previously released statement came in response to pressure from the public and the media to explain, in greater detail, what could be revealed about the conditions existing to warrant placing Iwans, Anderson and Correia on paid leave.
c. 2006 George J. Foster Co.

[Russtic]

Who is running the police dept. and how many officers are left to protect the town?

[Coolbreeze]

I heard through the grapevine that they put saran wrap over the toilet bowls in the mens room. Oh that can be messy.

[GTO]

Originally Posted by Dave R

If it were covered up, why would we now be discussing it? Seems like it's plainly noit covered up.

So, you know what they are being accused of? Because I'm still baffled. Oh sure, we know that there are three top ranked officers off on "paid Leave", but why are they? Please, share with me Dave.

[gtxrider]

Originally Posted by upthesaukee

Smile is duly noted . And UTS does not have any insider info, and if I did, and told ya, I'd have to bring in the Sopranos and....well you know. .

What are you implying about dose fine quys from Essex County? Badda Bing!

[Weirs guy]

Originally Posted by gtxrider

What are you implying about dose fine quys from Essex County? Badda Bing!

Goodie, I get to be the "unidentified object" in the water on the WeirsCam next season, after I gets to sleep da fishes. By the sounds of things I'd whack me in Alton, probably get away with it that way...

[SAMIAM]

If this involved people in the private sector.......every detail would be on the front page of the local papers.Why are people who are public servants entitled to "privacy"? We,the taxpayers,who are paying their salaries, should be entitled to know why 3 people are on paid vacation.

[The Worm]

This is just more of that "Thin Blue Line" police brotherhood entitlement crap. I would guess that the combined salaries of these three "High Ranking Police Officers" suspended with pay, accounts for in excess of $250,000 of the Alton town budget.


Following is from the Union Leader...

Police suspended: NH citizens kept in the dark

Sunday, Dec. 3, 2006

Citizens in at least two New Hampshire towns are without the services of their police chiefs, who have been placed on leave -- with pay -- by selectmen. The citizens are not being told what is going on and it is entirely conceivable that they may never be told. This is the rather sad state of New Hampshire citizens' "right to know" these days.

The Deerfield board of selectmen put that town's chief on paid administrative leave last week and wouldn't say word one as to why, other than it was a "personnel issue" and it didn't have anything to do with a murder committed in Deerfield a year ago. The board wouldn't even tell the townspeople how long the leave would continue.

At least the Alton selectmen told the town how long their police chief, police captain and police lieutenant would be gone -- sort of. The selectmen announced there was an "investigation" taking place and the police brass would be gone at least until that had concluded. But they wouldn't say how long that might be, either.

No hint, of course, as to what the police were being investigated for; but the selectmen did say the process had been going on since September. One wonders if the police chief's own threat, in October, to sue the chairman of the selectmen over some alleged right-to-know infraction plays into this at all.

Meanwhile, in Littleton, smarter heads have prevailed and the police are no longer being advised -- by town counsel -- to withhold from press and public the names and addresses of people they arrest. This is comforting, since the last groups we knew who took citizens off the street in such a clandestine fashion were the Gestapo, the KGB and the thugs running various authoritarian regimes in the Middle East, Latin America and Asia.

The New Hampshire Union Leader had to seek (and win) a court ruling last week in order to find out for Dover residents what they pay public employees in severance and unused leave time.

Public officials all too often try to slide through the "personnel" exception in our Right-To-Know law in refusing to conduct the public's business in public. As a reporter for the Citizen of Laconia told us recently, there may be legitimate reasons for the exception when it comes to the disciplining of a rank-and-file town or state worker.

But when it comes to top executives, such as police chiefs or school superintendents, serious actions such as paid leave or arranged "resignations" need to be dealt with in the open and above board. Otherwise, the citizens are clueless as to whether their elected or appointed officials are acting correctly on their behalf.

Citizens need to demand such openness. The attorney general and Legislature need to address the new information technologies that are actually helping to further mask actions taken in the public's name. The public's right to know is too often becoming officials' right to keep the public in the dark. That has to change or ignorance and misinformation will prevail.


Worm

[Pineedles]

Yes, there is definitely something stinky coming from Alton. I am more concerned with the pervasiveness of the behavior that prompted this investigation as it may exist in other municipalities. My home state, Connecticut just released a report from the NY State police (that were invited to investigate) that there existed pervasive "good all boys" leniency for State Policeman. I have no doubt that the same leniency is given to police chiefs, lieutenants, sergeants, etc. in all municipalities in Carroll county and all NH communities. It isn't just in Connecticut folks, it's everywhere. I am a conservative, but perhaps this recent upheaval of the November election points to not only national but local changes that need to take place. One last thought, it isn't just the Police, it's every Gdamn politician that has been in office too long.

[SteveA]

Seems like problems with "officials" isn't confined to our little slice of America.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn...120601820.html

[upthesaukee]

Originally Posted by Pineedles

Yes, there is definitely something stinky coming from Alton. I am more concerned with the pervasiveness of the behavior that prompted this investigation as it may exist in other municipalities. My home state, Connecticut just released a report from the NY State police (that were invited to investigate) that there existed pervasive "good all boys" leniency for State Policeman. I have no doubt that the same leniency is given to police chiefs, lieutenants, sergeants, etc. in all municipalities in Carroll county and all NH communities. It isn't just in Connecticut folks, it's everywhere. I am a conservative, but perhaps this recent upheaval of the November election points to not only national but local changes that need to take place. One last thought, it isn't just the Police, it's every Gdamn politician that has been in office too long.

Small correction...Alton is in Belknap County .

[playinghooky]

Officer reinstated as probe continues

By ROGER AMSDEN
Union Leader Correspondent
18 hours, 3 minutes ago

Alton – Captain Charles Anderson, one of three police officers who was placed on paid administrative leave by selectmen last week, has been reinstated.

A statement issued by James Sessler, town attorney, and Town Administrator Russell Bailey, said Anderson, a captain, had cooperated with the investigation and no disciplinary action was being taken against him.

The statement said "We expected Captain Anderson to tell the truth. He has told us the truth to the extent of his knowledge. There is no disciplinary action being taken against Captain Anderson." Still suspended while the investigation is ongoing are Chief Kevin Iwans and Lt. Edward Correia, who along with Anderson were suspended following a non-public session held by selectmen with Sessler and Bailey on Nov. 27.

It was at that meeting the five selectmen learned of an investigation being conducted by Sessler and Bailey regarding allegations made by a member of the police department against other members of the department, Sessler said in September, shortly after selectmen attempted to adopt a number of policies aimed at perceived problems with the police department, he was approached by an attorney representing an officer who sought assurances of confidentiality before the officer met with Sessler at his Franklin law office.

Sessler said the information presented by the officer, who told him selectmen were "on to something" in their attempt to change police department policies, warranted further investigation and was confirmed to him by two other officers that he interviewed.

He said further investigation was authorized by Bailey, and information regarding the investigation was not revealed to selectmen, several of whom have been embroiled in public disputes with Iwans and other department members, until last Monday's closed door meeting.

The statement issued Thursday further said the three were placed on leave with pay in order to ensure "the proper functioning of the investigation. This action was not intended as a statement that those individuals did anything wrong. In fact, we did not reveal the individuals' names because we did not want the public to jump to conclusions." Sessler and Bailey said they will not disclose the reasons for the investigation because it is a personnel matter that could result in disciplinary action.

"We reserve the right of privacy in these matters," the statement said.

[mcdude]

From the Baysider....

ALTON — It may be hard to swallow, but town residents might never know why selectmen voted unanimously on Nov. 27 to suspend Police Chief Kevin Iwans, Lieutenant Ed Correia, and Captain Charles Anderson.

That being said, Town Attorney James Sessler provided further details about the preliminary investigation that led to the trio's suspension, and the investigation that Sessler and Town Administrator Russ Bailey have been conducting subsequent to Nov. 27.

Speaking during the selectmen's meeting on Dec. 4, Sessler described how the bevy of policies that the selectmen passed in September struck a chord with a member of the police department. As readers may recall, Selectmen Cris Blackstone, Steve McMahon, and Pete Shibley passed nine policies at a meeting when Selectmen Alan Sherwood and Pat Fuller were absent. The policies, aimed at restricting the power and authority of Iwans and the police department, have since been ruled inert, as the board hadn't followed proper protocol that is usually followed in the adoption of town policy, such as posting the policy as part of the agenda, and holding public hearings on the proposed policies.

While the policies didn't have their intended effect, they certainly had an important effect, as Sessler described.

Following the board's actions in September, and the vigorous public debate that followed, Sessler said he received a telephone call in early October from a local attorney representing an Alton police officer. The message, Sessler said, was: "The selectmen were onto something, and not to let them give up."

After granting anonymity to the officer, Sessler listened to the officer's description of "alleged behavior that in my opinion warranted further investigation."

Sessler corroborated the allegations by contacting two other members of the department, who were also granted anonymity.

Since that early October beginning of the investigation, Sessler said only he and Town Administrator Russ Bailey knew anything about the investigation, even the fact that the investigation existed. "There was no direct or indirect involvement by the board or individual members of the board until last Monday evening (Nov. 27)," he said.

In fact, the town selectmen are prohibited by Sessler from visiting the police department or having any direct contact or communication with the members of the department.

Only Sessler knew the identities of the three informing officers until the Nov. 27 meeting. The selectmen and the town administrator now know the officers' identities, but all three are protected under the state "Whistleblower law," which protects them from discharge, harassment, or any other form of punishment for raising concerns about the department's administrators.

After the selectmen made the decision to suspend the officers, Sessler said he went down himself to break the news to Iwans.

Since then, Sessler said he either visits or calls the department every day, and he said, "My opinion is that the morale is very good."

As far as the investigation goes, he said "It's proceeding toward an end point very fast," at which point the town will release a statement, although it likely won't contain any juicy details.

Because it's a personnel matter, the town could be opening itself up to a lawsuit if it releases the cause for any disciplinary action that the board might – or might not – decide to pursue. Those actions could be anywhere from no action taken, to suspension without pay, to discharge.

If the officers decide to resign, or if they quietly accept any action the board of selectmen takes, then the town would be restricted from releasing the subject of the investigation.

However, if any of the officers choose to appeal an action of the board, that appeal would be heard in Belknap County Superior Court, and all the proceedings and details would be a matter of public record.

When asked whether or not the alleged behavior was criminal in nature, Sessler replied, "I'm not a criminal investigator." Sessler had already said there were no outside agencies involved, such as the Belknap County Sheriff's office or the state police, which would be the agencies to investigate allegations of illegal behavior within a town department.

That isn't to say that the allegations don't go there; Sessler said in this case it wouldn't be in the best interest of the town to investigate criminal allegations.

While the investigation is under way, Sessler cautioned against speculation, and reminded those present that the investigation was without a foregone conclusion – it could all turn out that the allegations of wrongdoing are unfounded.

[playinghooky]

I see the Alton selectmen have officially fired the police chief. No reason was published. The following was in The Citizen on Jan 10th.

Laconia, NH - ALTON - Police Chief Kevin Iwans has been formally fired by the Board of Selectmen following several months of controversy. Selectmen voted unanimously to discharge Iwans from his position as police chief after placing him on paid administrative leave a month and a half ago, along with two officers under his command. The order went into effect at 5 p.m. Tuesday, effectively ending Iwans' 11-year career as police chief and overall 20-plus-years serving the town of Alton.

Much of the information surrounding Iwans' firing remains shrouded in uncertainty. The five-member Board of Selectmen has refused to offer any additional comment in the matter and other town officals have offered not much more than issued statements.

Late Tuesday afternoon, the Alton Selectmen's Office released a statement indicating that Iwans was discharged from his position for just cause, pursuant to New Hampshire state statute.

The statement withheld any further information, as it is a personnel matter, that may remain confidential in accordance with RSA 91A.

Laconia Police Chief Thomas Oetinger said that, the few times he and Iwans had crossed paths during meetings of the Belknap County police chiefs, "I always found him very professional and cordial and knowledgeable."

Town Administator Russell Baily reported that the selectmen have decided not to appoint an acting chief, at least for the foreseeable future. Instead, Sgt. Ryan Heath and Det. Pete Llewellyn will remain in command of the department, as they have since Iwans and the other officers were placed on leave.

Bailey said Heath and Llewellyn will remain in command of the police department until the selectmen are able to decide upon a future strategy for the deparment, once the investigation is complete.

On Nov. 27, Iwans and two other officers, Capt. Chuck Anderson and Lt. Ed Correia, were put on administrative leave after three other officers reportedly came forward to Town Attorney James Sessler with concerns about the suspended officers.

Prior to Iwans' discharge, Anderson retired and an investigation surrounding Correia is still pending, according to Bailey.

Bailey said there will be no lack of service or other departmental diminishments as a result of this action.

"There is a sufficient force to maintain services," said Bailey, adding that the selectmen have full confidence in the ability of the Alton Police Department to do the best job possible in serving the community.

Currently seven full-time officers remain on staff at the Alton Police Department. Those officers, along with members of the part-time staff, are being utilized to fill any gaps that may be present.

Bailey added that, after hearing the concerns of the three Alton police officers, the town has done its best to fully address the matter, indicating that has been demonstrated by the subsequent action.

[GWC...]

This has left me speechless.

It would be funny; if it weren't so sad...

Originally Posted by Cutter Mitchell

From the Laconia Citizen Online
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Suspended officer's attorney seeks injunction

By CUTTER MITCHELL
jmitchell@citizen.com

ALTON - The attorney for a suspended ranking town police officer accused of wrongdoing has gone to court, alleging Alton officials are illegally withholding information about his client.

Attorney George Wattendorf, who is representing Lt. Ed Correia, has filed a petition for injunctive relief against the town for allegedly failing to turn over documents which relate to upcoming proceedings against Corriea.

Wattendorf said, while he has received Board of Selectmen minutes where the investigation was discussed, he has yet to receive any information from the town regarding the four-month investigation into his client and two other officers, former Police Chief Kevin Iwans and Capt. Charles Anderson who have since left the department. Correia currently is on suspension.

Wattendorf has specifically asked for any evidence the town has against his client in order to prepare a defense.

"We need to see them if they exist. It wouldn't be fair to have a trial by ambush," said Wattendorf.

Town Attorney James Sessler, who with Town Administrator Russell Bailey has headed the investigation into Correia and others, said anything that was requested and not turned over was due to an oversight and would be corrected once the material in question is located.

Other than that, "He's not getting anything he's not entitled," said Sessler.

With the injunction that Wattendorf is seeking, all material regarding the investigation would have to be turned over to a judge who then would determine what materials the defense is entitled to.

"I'm just very thankful that the Legislature has the foresight to protect police officers from this kind of political retribution," said Wattendorf.

In addition to the injunction, Wattendorf has submitted a letter to Sessler, stating that at least four people have come forward complaining about the actions of newly promoted Captain in Charge Ryan Heath and his use of departmental time.

In the letter, Wattendorf alleges, "during the course of preparing my defense, I have developed information that while Ryan Heath was on duty as an Alton police officer, he would conduct his private contracting business during duty hours. One source indicates that Heath would go to his private construction job site in a town cruiser, in uniform, to check on a house he was building and talking with persons on site."

Other alleged misconduct reported in the letter includes inappropriate use of town phones and computers, also relating to benefit of Heath's private contracting business.

The letter goes on to say, "It would appear that this conduct would be in violation of town policies. I am assuming this matter will be investigated and that you will take this matter as seriously as you did your investigation of Lt. Correia."

"Fair is fair. There shouldn't be any deviation in standards. They should be handling these accounts in the same way they are going after Officer Correia," said Wattendorf.

The alleged misconduct Wattendorf refers to is very similar to several of the charges brought against Correia, for which he now is facing termination, pending the outcome of a public hearing into the matter.

Sessler said he was aware of the allegations against Heath, as it had been brought to his attention back in September by Correia. While Sessler said Heath has been investigated, he would not comment on the outcome of the investigation, as any disciplinary measures are protected from public release.

Sessler did say that additional charges may be sought against Correia and Wattendorf for releasing the information regarding Heath's conduct.

"I think it's evidence that they are acting on a double standard," responded Wattendorf, saying the town is seeking to have Correia fired for alleged misappropriation of duty hours while Heath has been promoted to captain and is the acting chief for the Alton Police Department even though he has had similar allegations brought against him.

Wattendorf asked members of the community to come forward with information that might help in Correia's defense.