Council selects special prosecutor to review charter allegations regarding a council member

The Loveland City Council voted Feb. 5 to retain an independent special prosecutor to review potential violations of the City Charter (Section 8.5) by a member of council.

Background: City staff and an outside investigator had prepared work product that the council discussed in executive session earlier; following public comment and legal briefings, council debated whether to name a special prosecutor to make independent prosecutorial decisions about alleged Charter violations. The city attorney advised council that his office must remain at arm’s length on any prosecution of an elected official and recommended an independent special prosecutor be appointed to make charging decisions.

Council action: After discussion the council voted to retain a special prosecutor and selected attorney Kathy Haddock by council motion to perform independent prosecutorial review related to Section 8.5. The council considered an alternate candidate but that motion failed. The selection drew robust public comment both for and against proceeding. Council clarified the scope: the special prosecutor will focus exclusively on allegations under Charter Section 8.5 and make prosecutorial determinations independently from the city attorney’s office. The city attorney will continue to oversee budget and contracting matters related to the engagement but will not direct prosecutorial decisions.

Context and controversy: The item was politically charged and drew many public speakers. Several citizens and councilors argued for consistency and urged council to apply any process even‑handedly; others urged the council to step back and seek alternative dispute resolution rather than formal prosecution. Multiple councilors noted a previous investigation in 2024 had led to a separate special prosecutor and emphasized precedent and fairness in following the same process now. The city attorney cautioned council about conflicts and said the independent counsel must make prosecutorial decisions without direction from the city attorney or city council.

Next steps: The city attorney will contract with the selected special prosecutor; the prosecutor will file any subsequent charging decision publicly if charges are sought. Council asked that the city attorney maintain an arms‑length relationship and update the council on budget and process matters only.

Ending: The council vote to appoint Kathy Haddock carried; implementation steps (contracting, scope document and budget checks) were assigned to the city attorney’s office.