St. Albans Mayor Dick Callaway hopes to have the results of an investigation of Police Chief Brent Coates within the next day or so.
Coates was placed on paid administrative leave Nov. 2, after a female employee reportedly made an allegation of sexual harassment against the chief.
Callaway said Monday he immediately turned the allegation over to the law firm of Pullin, Fowler & Flanagan for an investigation. He said the law firm specializes in employee law.
"I didn't want any appearance that we were trying to hide anything or cover up anything," Callaway said. He said he is expecting a written report from the firm within the next day or two.
"When the written report is completed, we'll decide what action needs to be taken," Callaway said. "I'm hoping this will be resolved swiftly."
Coates, a West Virginia native, was hired in January to replace former St. Albans Police Chief Joe Crawford. Coates had been working in Florida as an instructor with the Florida Highway Patrol police academy, and had spent several years working for the Florida Highway Patrol.
Copyright 2011 Charleston Newspapers
