MT. RAINIER, MD (WUSA9) — Suspected irregularities in the management of parking fines are at the root of an investigation that has resulted in one third of the Mount Rainier Police Department being put on administrative leave, according to three sources with knowledge of the investigation.
Police Chief Michael E. Scott and six other members of the 20-person police department have been placed on paid leave while the investigation unfolds, according to a memo released by the town’s mayor and city council.
The investigation is not complete and no findings of wrongdoing have been announced so far.
The administrative office of Mount Rainier’s police department is currently closed. Street patrols are continuing with backup from neighboring jurisdictions if needed, the memo said.
The investigation has been underway for at least two weeks.
The inquiry is being conducted by the Prince George’s County State’s Attorney’s office, according to spokesman John Erzen. He would not comment on the nature of the investigation or how investigators became aware of the suspicions.
Mayor Melinda Miles would not discuss the nature of the investigation when asked by WUSA9 reporter Delia Goncalves after a closed-door town council meeting Tuesday evening. Miles said she has been told by the town’s legal counsel to not comment on the situation.
