EAGLE LAKE — Eagle Lake Police Chief Donald Chaney has been cleared of any violations of the City of Eagle Lake’s policies. This comes after a three-month investigation by a third-party seasoned investigator.
In addition, no evidence of fact was found by City Manager Tink Jackson and the Eagle Lake Police Department by the same investigator.
A press release issued by attorneys Olson and Olson, L.L.P. says: In reference to the complaint by former Officer Reyes. In a re sponse to a written complaint filed by a former officer of the City of Eagle Lake Police Department that included screenshots of what looked to be an open letter from former Lieutenant Sterling Hubanek to Chief Donald Chaney, my office, at the request of the City, opened an investigation.
After an almost three-month investigation, which included interviews with the complainant, former, and current employees of the City and Police Department, the investigator concluded there were no findings of fact that ev idenced a violation of the City’s policies or State law by the Police Chief, the City Manager or the Police Department.
Because there were no substantiated claims, the recommendation is to close the investigation.
There were no findings or con clusions that would warrant any recommendations of reprimand, change in policy, or termination.
Eagle Lake Police Chief Donald Chaney responded to the closed investigation, "As the find ings of the investigation have been made public, and the investigation has been officially closed, the Eagle Lake Police Department will be moving forward with the department's daily affairs and duties.
My job as the Chief of Police is to ensure the safety of everyone I serve. There were nineteen unsustained complaints that came from a former Eagle Lake Police Department employee who was caught stealing narcotics from a suspect on a traffic stop. When this crime was discovered, the of-
ficer was terminated and charges were filed. After a conviction in a Colorado County Court.
As the Chief of Police, I had a sworn duty to act when the discovery of this crime had been committed, especially by one of my own. It was shameful and a disgrace to the badge, and I felt appropriate action had to be taken. The public trusts the police department and its leadership to do the right thing even when no one can see all that is happening.”
The now-closed investigation was started as a result of a scathing 13-page resignation letter by Lieutenant Sterling Hubanek, who resigned on Jan. 11 from the Eagle Lake Police Department.
The letter contained various, now unsubstantiated allegations of departmental policy violations under the leadership of Chief Chaney.
A formal complaint was filed and, at the recommendation of Eagle Lake City Attorney Philip Boedeker, outside investigator Jesse Prado was requested to per form a formal investigation.
