The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Local News

April 28, 2009

Gaylord chief put on leave

Is charged with bugging chamber office

GAYLORD — The Gaylord City Council placed Gaylord Police Chief Dale Roiger on paid administrative leave during its special meeting on Tuesday.

During a closed session, council members met with Roiger, who is accused of planting a digital recording device in a Chamber of Commerce office to prove City Council members were meeting illegally. They also met with Gaylord police officer Tom Webster, who allegedly taped the recording device to the bottom of a cart in the office.

During the ensuing open session, council members placed Roiger on paid administrative leave and tabled a decision on Webster until its May 6 meeting.

Gaylord City Administrator Kevin McCann said the council also identified Gaylord police officer Eric Boon to be the interim chief of police until its May 6 meeting. At that time, the council will review further options for law enforcement services, such as contracting with the Sibley County Sheriff’s Department.

Roiger is scheduled to make his first court appearance June 8 on gross misdemeanor charges of intercepting communications and misconduct by a public officer.

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