Unverified letter alleging police degree-for-pay scheme read at council; members ask staff to assess credibility

A public commenter read a letter at the Oct. 21 council meeting that alleged one or more people were involved in helping police officers obtain fraudulent online degrees that resulted in higher pay.

Mayor Pro Tem Semmer read the written submission, which identified itself as coming from "concerned citizens from Livingston RV" and alleged that a current council member or others had participated in "unethical and illegal activity" by assisting officers to obtain "unlawful online degrees" in exchange for money. The letter urged the city to investigate and said a lack of action would be a loss of public trust.

Councilmember Wallace asked that the city manager, city attorney and chief of police review the letter for credibility and report back to the council. He said he was not asserting the claims were true but that he wanted an internal check: "If this is true, it is a loss of public trust and unlawful," he said while urging staff to determine whether the allegations warranted further action.

City staff said the letter would be received and evaluated; the council did not open a formal investigation on the floor and took no factual position on the allegations. The matter was referred to the appropriate offices for initial review, and councilmembers said they expected to be briefed on any credible findings in closed session or at a later public meeting as appropriate.

The council and staff emphasized that allegations read during public comment are unproven until investigated, and members asked that the review proceed through the city attorney and police chief to determine whether formal steps are necessary.