by Mike Knaak
editor@thenewsleaders.com
The St. Joseph city attorney is investigating claims made against St. Joseph Police Chief Joel Klein after the City Council voted to keep him on paid administrative leave.
The City Council met in a closed session April 23 to consider allegations made against Klein.
Klein was placed on leave April 19. Sgt. Dwight Pfannentstein remains acting police chief.
Mayor Rick Schultz said City Attorney Tom Jovanovich and his team will conduct interviews, including interviewing Klein. The results will be reported to the council, but Schultz said there is no timeline.
“We want this done in a diligent manner but also a timely fashion,” Schultz said. “It’s way too early to say what will happen until we have all the interviews and statements.”
The next scheduled council meeting is May 7. Schultz said if a special meeting is needed, the notice will be posted on the city’s website.
City councils can close meetings to discuss personnel issues.
Klein joined the police department in 2001 as a part-time officer. He moved to full time in 2004. He became chief in 2013.
Schultz asked people not to “prejudge” the chief’s actions.
“The presumption of innocence is a standard we wish to apply and this investigation is not intended to prejudge Chief Klein,” Schultz said in a statement.
Sgt. Dwight Pfannenstein, St. Joseph Police Department.