Former captain tells Cottage Grove council he resigned after what he calls a false misconduct allegation

Randy Sulart, a former Cottage Grove police captain, told the City Council during the appearance-of-interested-citizens portion of the meeting that he resigned after being placed on administrative leave and accused Police Chief Corey Chase of filing a false, retaliatory allegation against him.

"I was a police captain here last year," Sulart said. "I quit. I then received a letter from the state that Corey Chase had filed a false vindictive allegation against me for misconduct…The state concluded that I had not committed any misconduct." He said the allegation harmed his reputation and that he has documentation he can provide to the council and staff.

Mayor Solsby and Councilor Lammerman asked Sulart to share the records with staff. Councilor Lammerman specifically asked him to email any documentation so "nothing is lost," and Recorder Roberts noted the city manager already has some materials. Sulart said he would provide the documents.

The council did not take formal action during public comment. Director Stewart and other staff later told the council that matters involving personnel and investigations are handled in accordance with city policy and that the city works with appropriate state agencies when allegations are filed. Councilors said they would follow up within their authority and that staff would review any records Sulart submits.

What happens next: Sulart has offered to provide documents to staff; the council and city staff said they would review material brought forward but did not announce any formal investigatory steps at the meeting.