SPRINGFIELD — The city has released additional details about what led to Springfield City Manager Bryan Heck being placed on paid administrative leave.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
As News Center 7 previously reported, Springfield City Commission voted unanimously to place Heck on leave during its Tuesday meeting.
City officials received two anonymous letters alleging that Heck “acted inappropriately (and potentially illegally)” at City Hall a few years ago, a spokesperson said on Friday.
TRENDING STORIES:
- Dayton Public School board votes against putting superintendent on leave
- Clark County Park District cuts ranger division to fight budget shortfall
- Check your tickets! Winning lottery ticket sold at area gas station
The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigations has been asked to investigate the allegations.
“We’re committed to providing the due process that everyone deserves. That means we won’t get ahead of the facts, and we won’t hide them. When these reviews conclude, we’ll tell you what we can, as fully and promptly as the law allows. We appreciate the patience of Springfield citizens while we work to see this is done right,” a city spokesperson said.
Springfield Mayor Rob Rue sent News Center 7’s John Bedell the following statement regarding the investigation:
“Today, the City shared the information we are legally able to release because our community deserves transparency while also protecting the integrity of this process.
This is a serious matter that deserves a thorough and independent review. We also have a responsibility not to be reckless with our words or actions. This affects real people: those listed in the allegation, City Manager Bryan Heck, our employees, their families, and the City as a whole.
I also want to clarify that the City has not characterized this as a criminal investigation. We asked the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation to be involved specifically so an independent agency can review the allegations and determine whether any criminal conduct occurred. That determination has not yet been made.
Our responsibility is not to prejudge the outcome, but to make sure the process is fair, independent, and guided by the facts. We will continue to share information as it is verified and as the law allows.
Until then, I ask our community to allow the process to move forward without speculation or assumptions.”
A lawyer representing Heck previously sent News Center 7 the following statement:
“Bryan respects and supports the City’s decision to conduct an independent, transparent investigation. He welcomes the opportunity for a thorough review and is confident that, when all facts have been gathered and evaluated, the investigation will confirm the allegations are unfounded.
We recognize that public officials are often subject to intense public scrutiny, but we respectfully ask the community to allow the investigative process to run its course and refrain from drawing conclusions before all facts are known. Bryan has dedicated his career—and much of his life—to serving this community. We simply ask that he and his family be afforded the same fairness and due process that every member of this community would expect for themselves. Bryan and his family are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support they have received. Springfield is their home and Bryan remains as committed to this community today as he has ever been.Out of respect for the integrity of the process, we will have no further comment until the investigation has been completed."
We will continue to follow this story.
[SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
