by The Associated Press
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
KENAI, Alaska -- A Soldotna police sergeant placed on administrative leave in April has left the department.
Sgt. Tony Garcia resigned Friday. He tells the Peninsula Clarion of Kenai that he left in part because of negative publicity that followed an allegation against him.
Soldotna Police Chief John Lucking says Garcia was placed on administrative leave after a "serious allegation" was made against him. He would not elaborate. Lucking says Garcia was not forced into leaving.
Alaska State Troopers are conducting an investigation.
Garcia spent 20 years with the Air Force and joined the Soldotna department in 2003.
He received community awards from the Soldotna Chamber of Commerce and the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District during his service.
