Troy police sergeant investigated for harassment claims

A Troy police sergeant received a letter of written reprimand and was ordered to undergo additional sexual harassment training following an internal investigation of allegations made in an anonymous email received by city and police officials this fall.

Police Chief Charles Phelps issued the letter Dec. 2 to Sgt. Joe Stutz, according to documents released Thursday, Dec. 8.

In an email from “Helen of Troy,” an anonymous complaint against Stutz claimed he had allegedly acted inappropriately on a dozen occasions dating at least to 2003.

An investigation was conducted by Capt. Jeff Kunkleman, who reported findings to the chief. Seven of the allegations were found to be unsubstantiated while the others were listed as confirmed or unreported but confirmed. Four had previously been dealt with by the department with verbal reprimands.

The final allegation of uses of language constituting harassment had not been dealt with, Phelps said, noting the conduct was a violation of the department rules and regulations. The complaint involved comments toward a female police officer who did not file any claim against Stutz and described their relationship as "fine."

Patrick Titterington, city service and safety director, said the city was not able to identify who wrote the email.

“Although the email was sent anonymously and possibly without credibility, due to the sensitive nature of some of the allegations and our desire to protect the integrity and reputation of our sergeant, department and community, we felt that a thorough investigation should be made. Mayor Beamish and I are satisfied that a complete, objective, and professional investigation was conducted and that the appropriate and correct conclusions were reached," Titterington said.

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