Overview
- The chief, Brian O’Hara, resigned after Mayor Frey told him he would face discipline following an outside report that found he likely interfered with an earlier misconduct investigation by deleting evidence and discussing the probe; Frey announced the move Tuesday.
- Investigators say O’Hara intentionally removed a contact card from his city-issued phone to hide a connection to a person involved in the original inquiry and told a city employee about the investigation after being told not to.
- The initial investigation into anonymous allegations that O’Hara had sexual relationships with city employees concluded those claims were not substantiated, and investigators said the interference did not change that outcome.
- Frey had renominated O’Hara for a second four-year term weeks earlier, prompting criticism from some City Council members who now demand fuller disclosure of investigative records and stronger oversight.
- The mayor’s office said the city will continue to pursue roughly 17 other open complaints against O’Hara, maintain department continuity under acting Chief Katie Blackwell, and begin the process to select interim and permanent leadership.