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Last updated on Thursday, December 8, 2011
(MITCHELL) - Disciplinary charges have been filed against a Mitchell police officer.
The Mitchell Merit Board received a copy of the charges from Mitchell Police Chief Jerry Presnell Wednesday afternoon.
The board is not releasing the name of the officer, because they say the information is confidential and could jeopardize the case.
WBIW did submit a written request for a copy of the charges which the board will now have to provide because the charges are public information. Merit Board President Phil Tincher said the charges should be available to WBIW by the end of the week.
Copies of the charges were give to each board member for review. Tincher warned board members not to discuss the charges with anyone. An executive meeting will be held in a private location to discuss the charges on Dec. 21.
The board will then have 14 days to set a public hearing date to hear the case.
After evidence is presented, the board will decide if disciplinary action will be taken against the officer.
Don Haney, father-in-law of Mitchell Police Officer Steve Blair, who is on administrative leave with pay from the department said he is upset the board is following through with charges against his son-in-law.
He will be glad when the first of the year arrives and a new mayor is in place. He praised the Merit Board for the work they do and hopes that this ordeal will end soon. He wants the city to get back to dealing with the drugs, alcohol and crimes that are rampant in what he referred to as "Little Chicago" or Mitchell.
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