While it sounds like a plot made for a B-movie, it is actually a drama currently unfolding in Roland.
Roland Police Investigator Sgt. Jeremy Day said Tuesday that Ken Cole, animal control officer and reserve police officer, has been suspended indefinitely without pay until the city council makes a decision on Cole's employment. His suspension came because Cole allegedly violated a string of policy and procedures of the town and police department.
Day explained that an internal affairs investigation into Cole's alleged actions began after Bob Swofford, candidate for Office 3 on the town council, filed a complaint with the department against Cole.
Cole, who has worked as a city employee for nearly 10 years, was suspended after allegedly trying to get an informant, who is a high school student, to assist him. Cole allegedly wanted the informant to leave marijuana at Swofford's home so Cole could take a photo of the delivery and then use the photo as a way to blackmail Swofford into dropping out of the race.
"All allegations against Mr. Swofford have been unfounded," Day said. "There is no evidence he has done anything wrong."
The alleged plot was put in motion in February, but the police department only found out about it last week, Day explained.
The person who Cole allegedly tried to get to assist him confessed and went to Swofford to tell him about Cole's plan, which was never carried out. Day added that Cole may or may not have used threats while trying to talk the person into carrying out the plan.
"Our investigation began because Swofford filed a formal complaint against Cole," Day said.
Day said the reason for the plot appears to be political. He said that Cole had a group of candidates he wanted to be voted into office. Cole allegedly admitted to the plot and revealed it was for political reasons.
"He knows he's done wrong," Day said of Cole.
The election for four town council positions was held Tuesday. See the results in this edition of Your TIMES.
Day said there could be possible criminal charges stemming from the investigation if Swofford wants to pursue it. There could also be civil action taken.
Cole, who was acting as an officer when this alleged incident occurred, allegedly broke a string of police and town policies, which led to his suspension.
According to town policy, a city employee can't use his or her position for or against any candidate for public office and can not engage in any political activity. According to police procedures, Cole allegedly violated police conduct and behavior policy, which says that an officer "shall not commit any act or omission tending to bring reproach or discredit upon themselves or the department." He also violated a police policy regarding the identity of informants and not divulging police information.
Your TIMES was unable to reach Cole for comment about his suspension.
