EAGLE LAKE — Eagle Lake City Manager Tink Jackson, in an interview with The Banner Press Newspaper, said an active, transparent investigation has be- gun after a former police officer's resignation letter sparked a fire of
rumors and innuendos aimed at Eagle Lake Police Chief Donald Chaney. What started as an inhouse employer-employee issue has gained attention throughout the city.
Former Eagle Lake Police Lieutenant Sterling Hubanek resigned from the police force on Jan. 11 and issued a scathing 13page resignation letter alleging numerous departmental policy violations under the leadership of Chaney.
A formal complaint was filed, and, at the recommendation of Eagle Lake City Attorney Philip Boedeker, outside investigator Jesse Prado was directed to launch a formal investigation. The issue is some overlap in disciplinary actions.
Jackson said, “It’s not based on any hard facts anywhere. It’s just based on statements that were made by people not under oath.” Jackson continues, “I have a feeling we’ll see some stories change now when they’re getting called.”
When police officers are made to give statements under oath, their testimony, if false, can result in termination of their police career.
In the initial evaluation by Prado, Jackson reports that 98% of the complaints cited in the Hubanek resignation letter were dismissed for lack of evidence.
In the theatre of public opinion, misinformation can be just as damaging as the facts that emerge after a thorough investigation. Therefore, Chaney welcomes the formal investigation and to clear his name. Chaney was hired on Aug. 14, 2023. This is the first time a formal complaint and investigation into Chaney has arisen.
Now that Prado has begun his formal investigation into the complaints, Jackson believes it will take a few weeks to complete and submit a report.
