PURCELLVILLE, Va. November 19, 2017 — This past week, the Town Attorney became aware of emails from persons outside the Town which contained allegations of employee wrongdoing and statements of potentially criminal threats. The Town Attorney immediately commenced investigation procedures and informed Town Council of the matter. Once informed, Town Council called an emergency meeting to consult with the Commonwealth’s Attorney about the potentially criminal threats, and to consult with the Town Attorney and outside employment counsel about the allegations of employee wrongdoing.
As a result of these initial investigative steps, the Town learned that the person hired to investigate complaints against the former Chief of Police has multiple old, but serious, criminal convictions. The Town also learned that the same investigator had a relationship with an employee involved with the investigation. With this knowledge, the Town recognizes that the integrity of this investigation may be called into question, and will promptly hire an outside independent firm to audit and review the investigation. The employee involved in the relationship will be disciplined in accordance with the Town's personnel manual and procedures. Further, the Town will implement measures that will govern all future contract awards, designed to prevent the recurrence of these issues.
The Town will provide additional information as it becomes available.
