MOBILE — Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson said Tuesday that the special counsel’s investigation into claims made by former Police Chief Paul Prine found many allegations untrue. However, some of the findings will be sent to higher agencies.
Stimpson said the report clears the names of many city employees.
“Today, the City Council’s special investigator submitted his report outlining his investigation and findings into allegations made by Paul Prine after he was placed on administrative leave,” Stimpson said. “The Special Investigator’s report represents the conclusion to a long and distracting saga, created by a disgruntled and misdirected employee. With it brings a mix of emotions.”
“I am grateful that this report has proven that the vast majority of Paul Prine’s many meandering allegations were simply never true,” he continued. “It clears the name of several city employees and career public servants who never deserved to have their integrity questioned so publicly or so recklessly."
“As Mayor, I am responsible for my staff and the leadership I put in place over City departments,” Stimpson added. “ I made the decision to hire Paul Prine. I made the decision to fire him. I regret that I didn’t do it sooner. Had I done so, it would have saved thousands of taxpayer’s dollars and saved countless wasted hours defending our staff against his false allegations. I’m angry about the time wasted and the money expended.”
The city council approved the special investigation after Prine was fired. The council approved $200,000 for the investigation.
“It is unfortunate that the Special Counsel characterized the situation within MPD leadership as dysfunctional,” Stimpson said of the investigation. “That unfairly cast aspersions on an incredible group of men and women in the department and its leadership positions.”
However, the report did note possible issues with the 321z Contract. The Gulf Coast Technology Center and its leadership were brought into question after Prine alleged the appearance of improprieties between the center and 321z Insights, which was awarded a $92,000 contract to review Operation Echo Stop, a crime prevention initiative that uses technology, such as ShotSpotter, to fight crime.
Prine claimed it could look like something was being done under the table because 321z Insights was formed as a company just three weeks before being awarded the contract.
“His report also makes allegations about the way a draft version of the 321Z contract was handled,” Stimpson said. “While we disagree with his characterizations around the drafting process of this contract, we take any allegation of a crime or misconduct very seriously. It is important to note that there is no evidence of illegal or unethical monetary gain regarding this contract. However, after reading the report yesterday afternoon, I immediately sent it to Mobile County District Attorney Keith Blackwood for review and action. Additionally, we sent the findings to the Alabama Ethics Commission and the Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) this morning.”
“The special counsel is correct that there was a problem within MPD’s leadership, and we took steps to deal with it,” he continued. “Let me be clear, the Chief of Staff and Executive Director of Public Safety were acting consistently under my direction. Hindsight shows that one person caused this dysfunction and disruption because he could not adhere to the chain of command and follow the directives of his supervisors. He is no longer here, and we are moving forward.”
Stimpson thanked the Birmingham-based law firm Bradley Arant Boult Cummings investigators for their work.
“I want to thank the special prosecutor for acknowledging that my administration did exactly what we said we would do,” he said in closing. “We gave them everything they asked of us and fully cooperated with their investigation. Most importantly, thank you to those who have been praying for us and for our City. We have felt support from the many citizens who have reached out to provide words of encouragement. I want the citizens to know that I am as proud as ever to serve you as Mayor.”
The full report will be posted on the city’s website later.
Prine told 1819 News he would make a statement after he saw the full report.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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