NewsChannel 21 investigates resignations of Prineville’s police chief and captain, why the city’s stayed mum

(Update: Adding video, efforts to learn more details of what transpired)

PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Six months after Prineville Police Chief Larry Seymour and Captain Rob Gray were placed on "paid non-disciplinary leave," pending an investigation, the city announced earlier this week that both men have resigned, under a negotiated settlement.

But they stayed mum on what that investigation found, citing restrictions on public disclosure in state statutes.

"The City of Prineville announces that Police Chief Larry Seymour and Captain Rob Gray have resigned from their respective positions, effective immediately," a brief city news release began. "The City wishes them both the best in their future endeavors."

Lieutenant Shane Wilson is acting as the officer in charge during what's referred to as a "transitional period."

Since last July 21st, the day the investigation started, Seymour and Gray were on paid leave, with Seymour earning $74.258.83 and Gray receiving just $64,025.23.

The investigation into Seymour and Gray was finished by a third party on November 28th.

The city has not disclosed who the third party was, or how much it cost to hire them.

Nearly five months later, in December, despite multiple requests, officials wouldn't release the investigation's findings to NewsChannel 21, citing employee privacy.

To get more information, we reached out to the Crook County district attorney, Crook County judge, Prineville City Council, Prineville's city manager and their mayor.

We were denied interviews. Most referred us to the city of Prineville's attorney.

We asked the city attorney about Oregon state law requiring disclosure of an investigation's findings if there is enough public interest.

He then referred us to Oregon state law ORS 181A.674, that allows them to make the choice of whether it's in the public's interest to release findings.

Another state statute, 181A.674(5), says that if an investigation results from a complaint, they must disclose the results of the investigation.

A contracted city spokesperson told us the investigation didn't come from a complaint.

So, we asked several times what did prompt it. She said the investigation didn't involve misconduct or criminal allegations.

It was an internal human resources issue, she said, and because of that, they aren't obligated to disclose to the public the nature of the investigation.

The spokesperson also wouldn't honor any interview requests.

NewsChannel 21 has filed a public records request for the negotiated settlement agreement, and the invoice from the third party investigator.

The city has acknowledged our requests, but as of this writing hasn't provided the documents.

Lieutenant Shane Wilson has been and continues to be the officer in charge since the start of this investigation.

We also asked if the resignations affected the officers' future benefits like a pension, but didn't receive a clear answer.

Here's the rest of their announcement:

"The city and police department remain steadfast in serving and protecting the community. We appreciate the community's continued support during this transitional period.

"The City will be working with our public safety team and public safety professionals to maintain continuity of operations and evaluate and determine our next steps.

"Lieutenant Shane Wilson will remain acting as the officer in charge during the transitional period," the release concluded.

Seymour, former captain with the force, became chief in 2022, when former Chief Dale Cummins retired. Seymour promoted Gray, then a police sergeant, to his former role as captain. They were both placed on paid leave on July 21 of last year.

In late November, the city confirmed that a third party had wrapped up the investigation, but provided no details Prineville City Manager Steve Forrester said they need to respect employee's privacy and would release the report "as soon as practically possible."

City spokeswoman ShanRae Hawkins told NewsChannel 21, "The resignation was pursuant to a negotiated settlement agreement between the city and the officers."

However, she said, "Pursuant to law, we are unable to disclose information about a personnel investigation," and cited Oregon Revised Statutes section 181A.674, related to disclosure of information about "certain public safety employees," which we list here below:

181A.674 Disclosure of information about certain public safety employees. (1) As used in this section:

      (a) “Public body” has the meaning given that term in ORS 192.311.

      (b) “Public safety employee” means a certified reserve officer, corrections officer, parole and probation officer, police officer or youth correction officer as those terms are defined in ORS 181A.355.

      (2) A public body may not disclose a photograph of a public safety employee of the public body without the written consent of the employee. This subsection does not apply to the use by the public body of a photograph of a public safety employee.

      (3) A public body may not disclose information about a personnel investigation of a public safety employee of the public body if the investigation does not result in discipline of the employee.

      (4) Subsection (3) of this section does not apply:

      (a) When the public interest requires disclosure of the information.

      (b) When the employee consents to disclosure in writing.

      (c) When disclosure is necessary for an investigation by the public body, the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training or a citizen review body designated by the public body.

      (d) To disclosures required under ORS 181A.667.

      (e) When the public body determines that nondisclosure of the information would adversely affect the confidence of the public in the public body.

      (5) If an investigation of a public safety employee of a public body results from a complaint, the public body may disclose to the complainant the disposition of the complaint and, to the extent the public body considers necessary to explain the action of the public body on the complaint, a written summary of information obtained in the investigation.

      (6) A public body must notify a public safety employee of the public body if the public body receives a request for:

      (a) A photograph of the employee.

      (b) Information about the employee that is exempt from disclosure under ORS 192.345 or 192.355 (2) or (3).

      (c) Information about the employee that is prohibited from disclosure by subsection (3) of this section. [Formerly 181A.830]

      Note: 181A.674 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 181A or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.