Medina police chief terminated

After a four-month long review process, Medina Police Chief Jeffrey Chen has been terminated by City Manager Donna Hanson.

Chen acknowledged the decision Wednesday in a note to Medina citizens.

"I have had the privilege and the honor of protecting you and your community for the last 10 years," he wrote. "Unfortunately today I was terminated by the City of Medina from that position. The City Manager has decided to terminate me based upon conclusions in an investigation report which I wholeheartedly refute."

Hanson released a public statement on the matter Friday evening in response to a public records request filed by the Reporter previously.

"On Wednesday, April 27th, the City of Medina terminated the employment of Police Chief Jeff Chen, effective immediately," she wrote. "The termination came after an extensive outside investigation and review. Chief Chen had been placed on administrative leave pending results of the investigation.

"The position of Police Chief is vital to the Medina and Hunts Points communities. It was determined that Chief Chen’s departure, while extremely difficult, is ultimately in the best interests of the City, its residents, and the Medina Police Department."

Medina investigated Chen for misuse of a company email system, destroying public records and improper use of city resources. He was accused of not cooperating with the city's investigation, as well.

Chen has been under investigation since late December when he resigned from his position, an action he says he took because Hanson leaned on him to do so. One week later he took back the resignation and was placed on paid leave. Chen has disagreed with conclusions reached by the investigator Ellen Lenhart. He issued a rebuttal to the findings, which can be found below, as well as a termination memo sent to Chen by Hanson.

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